Irish History Podcast28 Maj 2025

Midwives & Mothers: A History of Birth in Ireland

In times past, childbirth was a profoundly communal and intimate experience, guided by the steady hands and wisdom of community midwives. Known as Bean Ghlúine—the Women of the Knee—these women were among the most important figures in rural Irish communities.

In this episode, I’m joined by historian Emma Laffey to explore the world of birth and midwifery in a time before pregnancy tests or pain relief. Through the remarkable story of community midwife Mary Anne Fanning, our conversation uncovers the history of birth and the key role midwives played in Irish communities. They delivered not just babies, but in an era of high infant mortality, they were also called upon to guide families through loss and tragedy.

*This episode discusses themes of childbirth and infant loss, which some listeners may find distressing.*

Sound by Kate Dunlea

Resources

Visit the Exhibition:

https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museums/Country-Life/Exhibitions/Mary-Anne-Fanning-Remembering-our-Community-Midwiv

Read Emma's book Woman of the Knee Midwife & Handywoman for free

https://skehana.galwaycommunityheritage.org/content/people/an-bhean-ghluine/an-bheanghluine

Find out more about Irish community midwives

https://skehana.galwaycommunityheritage.org/content/category/topics/an-bhean-ghluine

Watch this interview with community midwife Bina Kelly interviewed in 1983

https://skehana.galwaycommunityheritage.org/content/people/an-bhean-ghluine/an-bhean-ghluine

iCAN: Irish Community Archive Network

https://www.ouririshheritage.org/

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