History of Delivery

1. History of Delivery

2. Early • 1647 • Forceps were developed • Many babies died in the early years of their use • Before 19th century was uneventful – delivery and life went on as normal with no pain relief • Mid-19th century • Women feared childbirth - painful or even fatal • Higher social status, less children you had • 1800 • Chloroform was used to relieve women of any pain • Harmful, even fatal, to mother and baby

3. Mid • 1882 • First successful Cesarean delivery • Death rate remained high until 20th century • 1900 • Middle class women were confined to bed rest until well after the baby was born • Introduction of maternity clothes (Lane Bryant)

4. 1920 “Twilight labor” • 1920-Morphine and scopolamine • General anesthesia • Proved harmful to baby and mother • Use of stirrups to prevent any tearing or ripping

5. 1950 and Beyond • 1950-Use of drugs in “assisted” childbirth became popular • 1970-“Natural” childbirth and midwives became popular • 1980-Back toward hospital births • 1990 and beyond-Both mother and father take a more active role in childbirth