Lincolnshire Midwifery Through History

Kate Simpson a local dual qualified nurse and midwife will take you in a roller coaster adventure about midwifery through the ages the ancient wisdoms of birth knowledge and how medical men burnt such women for these intuitive skills. She will then lead us into stories of midwives and nurses in our own area discussing the life and times of her own mother Jean Simpson a well known midwife to many who 'delivered' over 1000 locals and cared for many thousands more. She will discuss the family dynamics of forced adoption within the family unit as Jean's teenage pregnancy in 1960's Boomer Britain was not wholly welcomed. The involvement of the heavy handed social service system of the 70's who almost succeeded in removing her 2nd child (following a concealed pregnancy!).

We will then explore the end of her midwifery career following institutional bullying a subject which has remained particularly close to Kate's heart. Kate will then discuss her own midwifery and nursing career the challenges of following in such legendary footsteps and the dynamics of current NHS midwifery. Kate will bring together her Master's Degree research 'Midwives burnt at the stake: historical legendary practice or modern day phenomenon' with stories of the love and often suffering of midwives throughout history. If you are new to the area this talk will really give you something to get your teeth into. If you had known Jean or have been cared for by her you are most welcome to come and hear about her life behind the uniform (she was a complex character!) and indeed share your own stories if you wish. One thing we do know about Kate's delivery of these topics is that she's likely to make you laugh and cry in equal measure!

We look forward to welcoming you at the Theddlethorpe History Club on Tuesday 17th June 2025.

The Village Hall will be open from 6.30pm for food and drink with the talk starting at 7.30pm 

£3 per person

You may also like the following events from Theddlethorpe History Club:

• This month, 20th May, 07:30 pm, Show and Tell Night in Louth
• This September, 16th September, 07:30 pm, The History of Policing in Louth