ABSTRACT
Childbirth on the nineteenth-century American frontier dramatically illustrates the difficulties that the natural function of childbearing created for frontier women. The important role that women played in the Westward migration and the development of the Western frontier were not always acknowledged by men, but Andrew McClure in his diary from the Oregon Territory noted: "Much praise for our success of this enterprise is due to our women." When pregnancy continued, women were often uncertain about the outcome. Despite hardships for both men and women Westward emigration continued. Few medications were specifically effective for childbearing women, yet women's pills and remedies were widely available. Women were recognized as naturally useful and knowledgeable about health and the treatment of sickness. Frontier women continued the centuries old role of midwife. Frontier women worked up until delivery and often did not stop until forced to do so by the progress of labor.
