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The diary of Martha Ballard was an insightful view into the world of midwifery by helping to clarify the deep connection women had to this responsibility.  In last week's readings there was discussion of male doctors replacing the role of midwifes during child delivery and the resentment that was harbored by these women because of it.  By reading Martha's diary, it becomes clear that being a midwife was much more than just a job but to  women like her it was a way of life.  Martha constantly discusses delivering babies and attending to the mothers in a very passionate way, displaying her own personal drive to help her community.  Being a midwife appears to be what defines Ballard as a person, more so than her husband or religion, helping to clarify how dramatic the lifestyle change was for these women who were forced out of the delivery room by medical professionals.  Being a midwife is what gave women power and social standing, and Martha appears to use her abilities as a successful midwife to obtain just that. --Rachel T.


I think Martha Ballard had a terrible life.  I also did my document paper on part of her diary and it seems like all she ever did was take care of other people and her family.  That is just awful.  She also spent a week or so in the portion of her diary that I worked with ill because of all the sick people she takes care of.  It made me really sad.  I do have to agree with Rachel, however, that she was defined by her status as a midwife. Probably because that is all she ever did, but still, at least it is a defining trait. Most women didn't have that. --Sara S.