Essays on Martha Ballard

A Midwife’s Tale is a detailed biography of Martha Ballard, a midwife in the late period of the 1700s to the early 1800s who wrote a diary of her daily operation’s ranging from 1st January 1785 to 8th May 1812. Ballard’s everyday life can be categorized as being a very extraordinary woman that lived an ordinary lifestyle in the community of Puritan. Ballard’s life represented many women in America in the late 18th century who had less power and minimal rights compared to men. The book continues to illustrate the daily chores of Martha Ballard, ...

Reader Response Based on Film and Readings- Pioneer Women in Medical Front

The book A Midwife’s Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard based on her diary, 1785-1812, was written by the historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich in reference to the diary of an 18th century American midwife and healer, Martha Moore Ballard (1735-1812). The documentary film, The American Experience, was based on the Ulrich’s book. During the period of 3 decades (from 1785-1812), Martha Ballard kept a diary that recorded her life as a midwife and healer and housewife with children. Her records illustrate struggles and tragedies that she faced within her family and the society as a whole during ...

History I Section 263

The practices of childbirth and delivery have changed drastically throughout history. With the advances in science and technology and growing knowledge over the years, America has been delivering healthier babies than ever. But unlike now, in early America midwives played a large role in child delivery and child care, “When the English settled in America they brought the traditional English customs and practices of childbirth to the New World.” Midwives were more than just someone who delivered a baby; they also acted as the nurse and were a friend to the pregnant woman throughout her labor. Midwives felt a lot of responsibility for ...