ABSTRACT
The lives and work of Chinese midwives are discussed in terms of their role in society, their artefacts, their gender and social position, and the effects of social stratification. The development of the first state midwifery school and the role of birth attendants in Guăngzhōu and Chóngqìng are demonstrated. We show the effects of changes in midwifery regulation and the practice of a nurse-midwife in Níngxià and the daily life of a traditional midwife.
