About this book:

Bringing Life to Aberdeen chronicles the history and development of midwifery and maternity services since their inception in Aberdeen.

How did Aberdeen revolutionise modern midwifery and mother and baby care? Whether you were born in – or gave birth in – Aberdeen or elsewhere, you will probably have benefitted from the pioneering work of some of the people mentioned in this book.

Bringing life to Aberdeen highlights many of the individuals who have made major contributions to the advancement of midwifery and neonatal services, and describes their influence and impact. Foremost amongst these are the lasting and defining accomplishments of Professor Sir Dugald Baird and Lady May Baird who give their name to a new hospital dedicated to the care of women and their babies in North East Scotland, known as the Baird Family Hospital.

From Margaret Bane, an Aberdeenshire ‘howdie’ (midwife) accused of witchcraft in 1597 and put to death, to Margaret Myles, born in Aberdeen in 1892 and responsible for Myles Textbook for Midwives which – now in its 17th edition – remains the definitive resource on practical midwifery, through to the present day, the story of the people who have brought life to Aberdeen is truly remarkable.

The book contains images and pictures, many taken from historic documents, manuscripts, maps and journal excerpts from the last few centuries. It also shares the stories told by women who have used the services throughout the years and provides a glimpse into the future of Aberdeen’s maternity services through the opening of The Baird Family Hospital in 2023.

This book will appeal to those who have interest in not only Aberdeen’s local history but those who have interest in the significant contributions that Aberdeen’s people have made to the neonatal field.

Reviews

‘It is a profoundly moving story of huge improvements in the care of mothers, the care of babies and the consequent improved rights of women and the creation of a more civilised society.’ – BARNEY CROCKETT, Lord Provost of the City of Aberdeen (2017-2022)