ABSTRACT
In 1601 the Queen of France, Marie de Medicis, was pregnant with her first child and looking for a new royal midwife. She refused to be delivered by the established Madame Dupuis - her husband's choice for the position - because that elderly midwife had attended several labours of Gabrielle d'Estrees, King Henri IV's mistress. Learning of the Queen's discontent, a number of royal physicians recommended Louise Bourgeois. Though not yet 40 years of age, this midwife was rapidly becoming a favourite birth assistant among the wealthy elite in Paris. One of Bourgeois' clients, Madame la Duchesse d'Elbeuf, spoke with Marie de Medicis about her own delivery, answering the Queen's questions about the midwife's age andja<;on [external appearance or manner]. Noting how well the Queen received this information, the Duchess advised Bourgeois to find a way to be presented to Marie de Medicis. After complicated negotiations, Bourgeois arranged to be at the maison of the influential Gondi family when the King and Queen were dining there. The Queen was already inside her carriage, preparing to depart, however, by the time Bourgeois was brought forward. Marie de Medicis looked at the midwife very briefly and did not address her. Nevertheless, the following day Bourgeois received notice that no one but she would touch the Queen during the delivery.
