ABSTRACT
This chapter explains why the history of Chinese midwifery is classified as before and after 1928. It also presents the concepts of qì, yīnyáng and wǔxīng, which have been used as the principal medical theory to understand and explain the complex layers of interpretation of human diseases and the world, including traditional midwives, the first separation of Chinese fùkē (medicine for women) from Chinese medicine and the imperial Chinese medical school. In addition, the meanings in the development of medical control, midwifery and the women’s control of their bodies are shown and discussed after the establishment of the Christian Nursing Association of China. Blurred boundaries skills, status of maternity carers and other changes are also discussed.
