HISTORY OF ALABAMA'S MIDWIVES
   - Grand Midwife Margaret Charles Smith

   Nancy spoke to Alabama's oldest Grand Midwife, Margaret Charles Smith, author of 'Listen to Me Good' on 9 Sep who celebrated her 96th birthday 12 Sep 2002 in Eutaw. She remembered Nancy from the AFOM meeting a few years ago and is very interested in having people sign the petition. Happy birthday Mrs. Smith! Many members of our organization and their children sent her birthday cards.

   “Margaret Charles Smith, a 91-year-old midwife, and Linda Janet Holmes, a long-time friend and historian of Alabama’s midwives, have combined their talents to present a fascinating and powerful account of the career of Alabama’s oldest living midwife. Born in Greene County, Alabama, in 1906, Margaret Charles Smith attended nearly 3,000 births between 1949, when she received her midwife permit, and 1981, when she attended her last birth. During her distinguished midwifery career, she never lost a mother and rarely lost a baby. . . . In assessing her last days as a midwife, Smith concluded, ‘You could count on midwives. They took care of everybody, no matter what.”—Journal of the American Medical Association

   “Smith’s dedication, strong religious faith, and dignity are evident throughout this tribute to a tradition of self-care and community support. This fascinating oral history will interest students of the health sciences, women’s studies, and history, as well as general readers. Highly recommended for all collections.”—Library Journal

   Margaret Charles Smith has spoken extensively about her years as a midwife at national midwifery conferences, folk festivals, and women’s health programs, and her life has been celebrated in numerous newspapers and midwifery publications. In 1985 the Eutaw City Council proclaimed May 11th “Margaret Charles Smith Day,” and she became the first black person to receive the keys to the city. She continues to live in Eutaw, Alabama, with her two sons.

   Be sure to look for “Miss Margaret”, a film about Mrs. Margaret Charles Smith, who, with patience and kind words, delivered 3,500 babies, one third of the people born in her county.

Holder of the National Health Service Award 2000 for decades of service as a lay midwife in improving the delivery of healthcare service for mothers and infants.

"On behalf of the state of Alabama, I commend you for your contribution to the field of health care. You have touched the lives of so many and been a blessing to countless mothers and newborn babies. You are an exceptional citizen of our great state and are due the utmost recognition for your generous services. I extend to you my personal best wishes and my admiration for your outstanding work. May the future hold the best that life has to offer."
  - Governor Don Siegleman 2/28/2000

   "Grand Midwife Mrs. Margaret Charles Smith has sadly and unexpectedly lost her son Houston to an aneurysm on Thanksgiving Day. This brave woman has helped birth hundreds of babies over the years. Her commitment to midwifery and her community have directly and indirectly impacted thousands. Houston's death has had a large social and financial impact on Mrs. Smith. He used to contribute his SS check to maintaining her house, etc., but since she was his mother, not his wife, she gets no additional benefits now that he is gone. Of course, she also misses his companionship, since she has never lived alone. Midwife Shafia Monroe is organizing a donation drive to encourage people to contribute $10 (or more) to Mrs. Smith, sending the checks right to her:

  Mrs. Margaret Charles Smith, Rt. 3, Box 3-A, Eutaw, Alabama 35462."

      Desiree Adaway

Listen to Me Good The Life Story of an Alabama Midwife (Paperback)
  by Margaret Charles Smith; Linda Janet Holmes
  Books-A-Million Retail Price: $19.95 - Our Price: $19.95 - Club Price: $17.96
  Members Save $1.99 ! (10%)

   For more information or if you wish to provide some information on the Alabama's midwives, contact the webmaster.