Who Is Justine Siegmund, and How Did She Change Women’s Health?

By: Sam Watanuki | Last updated: Jan 31, 2024

Justine Siegmund’s story begins in 1636 in the small town of Rohnstock, Silesia. Little did the world know that this girl would grow up to challenge the status quo of 17th-century obstetrics.

Living in an era where women’s health was poorly understood and often neglected, Siegmund’s journey into midwifery was not just a career choice but a necessity driven by her own health struggles.

Turning Pain into Purpose

At the age of 20, Siegmund faced a medical challenge that would shape her future. Misdiagnosed and mistreated for a prolapsed uterus, she experienced firsthand the shortcomings of contemporary women’s health care.

Advertisement
Justine Siegmund

Source: Wikipedia

This personal ordeal ignited her passion for understanding women’s bodies and led her to dive into the world of midwifery, a field dominated by oral traditions and closely guarded secrets.

A Self-Made Expert in Midwifery

With no formal education in the field, Siegmund’s journey was one of self-education and determination. By 1659, she had gained considerable knowledge and began applying her skills, assisting in childbirth.

Advertisement
Midwife parents child

Source: IMS Vintage Photos/Wikmedia Commons

Her approach was revolutionary for its time — focusing on minimal intervention and prioritizing the natural process of childbirth, a stark contrast to the existing and popular practices of her contemporaries.

Serving the Unprivileged: The Beginning of a Legacy

Siegmund’s career began with a focus on helping the underprivileged. She provided free midwifery services to poor women, highlighting her altruism and dedication to women’s health.

Advertisement
Justine Siegmund The capital of the Duchy of Jawor

Source: Sławomir Milejski/Wikipedia

This period not only honed her skills but also solidified her reputation as a compassionate and skilled midwife.

The Court Midwife: A Trailblazing Text

Justine Siegmund’s “The Court Midwife,” published in 1690, marked a monumental shift in the field of midwifery. For the first time, a woman’s perspective on childbirth was available in print, offering detailed insights and techniques for managing various complications during childbirth.

Advertisement
Titlepage of Siegismundin's textbook

Source: Rodak/Wikipedia

This book wasn’t just a manual — it was a beacon of change in a male-dominated medical world.

Dispelling Myths and Setting New Standards

In her book, Justine Siegmund tackled various childbirth myths prevalent at the time. She challenged the idea that a full-term pregnancy must last 40 weeks and introduced techniques like puncturing the amniotic sac to manage placenta previa.

Advertisement
Two-handed internal version of a shoulder presentation

Source: Foto H.-P.Haack/Wikipedia

Her writings offered practical, experience-based solutions, setting new standards in midwifery.

Advertisement

Facing and Overcoming Gender Bias

Siegmund’s rise wasn’t without challenges. Her methods and the very act of a woman writing a medical text were met with skepticism and outright hostility from male physicians.

Advertisement
Woman in Medical Frontliner Uniform

Source: Laura James/Pexels

Yet, her skill, knowledge, and successful outcomes won her respect and paved the way for other women in the field.

Advertisement

Royal Recognition and Wider Influence

Siegmund’s expertise eventually caught the attention of royalty, leading her to become the official court midwife in Berlin.

Advertisement
Obstetrical stool in use

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Her role in assisting noble families and even addressing complex cases like cervical tumors further cemented her status as a leading figure in midwifery.

Advertisement

A Life's Work in Numbers

Siegmund’s impact can be quantified in the remarkable number of lives she touched — over 6,200 babies delivered successfully.

Advertisement
Hands on pregnant belly with "midwife" spelled in foreground

Her personal life, marked by a 42-year marriage without children of her own, reflects a deep commitment to her profession and the families she served.

Advertisement

Justine Siegmund's Death and Legacy

Siegmund died in 1705, leaving behind a lasting legacy. While the exact cause of her death remains unrecorded, her age at the time of her passing (68) was notable for the period.

Advertisement
Justine Siegmund Google Doodle

Source: Google Doodle

Her contributions continued to resonate, with “The Court Midwife” being a reference for future generations of midwives and obstetricians.

Advertisement

The Court Midwife: A Continuing Influence

The impact of “The Court Midwife” extended far beyond Siegmund’s lifetime. Its numerous republications and translations attest to its enduring relevance.

Advertisement
US Navy midwife checks on a mom in a hospital bed

Source: Suzanne M. Day/Wikimedia Commons

The book laid the groundwork for more informed, compassionate, and effective approaches to childbirth.

Advertisement

Honoring Justine Siegmund's Contribution to Women's Health

Justine Siegmund’s life and work represent a pivotal moment in the history of women’s health. Her contributions went beyond delivering thousands of babies; she empowered future generations of women in the field of midwifery, leaving an indelible mark on the health care landscape.

Advertisement
Midwife Check Up

Source: Ricmart 01/Wikimedia Commons

Siegmund’s story is one of the power of resilience, knowledge, and dedication in overcoming societal barriers and improving lives for the greater good.

Advertisement