Footnotes and Admin notes for:
"A Midwife’s Journey: From Hands-on Care to Maternity Wards"
(1) "trained herself out of having a brogue"
Brogue: A distinct Irish or Scottish accent. The phrase "trained herself out of having a brogue" indicates that she deliberately altered her accent to lessen the regional characteristics, possibly to avoid discrimination or to better integrate into English society during the 1930s.
(2) Premmies = premature babies
The word "premmies" in the sentence refers to premature babies, often abbreviated in informal contexts as "premmies" or "preemies." The spelling correction might flag "premmies" because it is an informal term and not universally recognized as standard English. It's also possible that the spelling "preemies" (with an 'e') is more commonly accepted or recognized in some spell-check dictionaries compared to "premmies."
Here’s what the sentence means:
- Premmies wrapped up in cotton wool: This metaphorically and literally describes how the premature babies were cared for, with cotton wool often used for additional warmth and protection due to their vulnerability.
- Put in the airing linen cupboard: The babies were placed in a cupboard typically used for storing linens that was warm, providing a makeshift incubation space, which was a common practice when more sophisticated medical equipment wasn't available or in immediate reach.
- Forgotten until their little mewlings were heard: This part highlights a risky aspect of such an improvised care setting. The babies were sometimes not immediately attended to until their faint cries ('mewlings') reminded caregivers of their presence.
If you're considering making a note or correction in your document, you might choose to standardize the spelling to "preemies" if that is more commonly accepted in your intended publication's dialect of English, or you could add a brief explanation like:
Premmies (often spelled "preemies"): A colloquial term for premature babies, referring to infants born before completing the typical gestation period and often requiring special care.
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ENTRY FOR THE NEWSLETTER
Early 20th Century Midwifery in Britain: A Personal Reflection
Explore unique insights from England's past, through the vivid memories of a midwife traveling by motorbike. This exclusive article for Dawn House Newsletter offers a deep dive into the combined experiences of a midwife and her daughter, detailing a legacy intertwined with the development of midwifery.
Read the full article on the Dawn House Newsletter website.
ABSTRACT
This personal recount explores the professional and personal life of a district nurse and midwife in early 20th-century England. Through the narrative of her daughter, we discover the challenges and joys of nursing before the establishment of the NHS, from the bustling streets of Plymouth to the rural lanes serviced by motorbike. The story provides a unique lens on the social, economic, and healthcare landscapes of the time, highlighted by vivid anecdotes and a reflective look at the evolution of midwifery.
Back to "A Midwife’s Journey: From Hands-on Care to Maternity Wards"
Palestine Projects [Index] - Includes midwifery projects
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