Midwifery, one of the most ancient professions in the world.

Midwifery is one of the most ancient professions in the world and continues to be a vitally recognised role today. We see reference to this in the Torah and other religious liturgies.

As a Jewish woman, I have always felt connected to the stories of midwives in the Torah. When I first read the Red T ent by Anita Diamant at the age of 17, I felt that this opened my eyes to midwifery being at the centre of ancient Jewish life and that this must be echoed in the current day. The story felt empowering in recognising the strength of womanhood, feminism and the importance supporting the pregnancy and birth process.

Diving into this further, it was revelatory to discover that midwives were treated as prominent figures throughout religious texts. This began with Shifrah and Puah who were the midwives who defied Pharaoh’s orders to kill newborn Jewish boys. This, my grandfather would emphasise every Passover, as my aunt is also a wonderful midwife. The story shows us that midwives have always had to be courageous in the face of adversity. This is something that not only shows reference today among the Jewish community but also midwives within the NHS setting who have experienced an array of difficulties from working conditions to periods of anti-semitism.

There has been other later religious commentary which specifically mentions that midwives can break the Sabbath to attend women giving birth. This was only something I discovered during my midwifery training and felt that this was particularly special when caring for Jewish families.This is an extension of the prominent teaching that life is sacred and must be protected above all else.

There were several other elements that led me to pursue a midwifery degree, in Manchester, and then returning to London. However throughout this time it showed me that Jewish rituals in the birthing space are still prominent and that families are willing to practice these. This is not only for those who identify as Orthodox but Reform Jewish families are eager to mark this event through Brit Milah and other blessings too.

My identity as a Reform Jewish woman has continued to grow and develop. Reform Judaism offers a powerful principle that living Jewish tradition grows with us and evolves with the time rather than away from us. It honours the past whilst accepting the realities of the modern day. This is exactly the same in modern day midwifery. We have deep roots throughout history but we practice in a way that strives to be grounded in medical evidence and safety. Moreover, midwives, much like many Reform Jewish communities, uphold a strong commitment to inclusion and to creating space for people of all backgrounds and perspectives.

Having been raised in the Reform community with key egalitarian values, I was privileged to watch female rabbis and cantors lead by example. This taught and empowered me to seek leadership opportunities wherever I could from Hadracha as a teen, volunteering abroad and eventually within my professional sphere.

My role as a continuity midwife has enabled me to grow connections with families from all backgrounds and cultures as well as Jewish birthing people. Having this insight has shown me that people are eager to honour tradition, create space for spiritual growth in their own lives and also develop connections with their communities. Within my role, I have been privileged to support families in this and continue to touch upon this importance with my colleagues.

By being involved in Shifrah UK it has and will enable further connection and empowerment for women and families but also support maternity staff within the NHS to be informed of Jewish birth practices.

By Josie Dawson.

Hello, I’m Josie and ’ve been a practising midwife for over 8 years with a specialty in providing and leading continuity of care. 
I’m based in North London and currently undertaking a Masters in Women’s Health to improve outcomes for women across the lifecourse. 
My involvement in Shifrah is to provide education and information to women and families and advocate where possible.