Black women, midwives and women in labor (Rio de Janeiro, 1810-1850)

This article analyzes the experiences and practices of childbirth among enslaved, freed and free women, Africans and descendants, in the context of urban slavery in Rio de Janeiro in the first half of the 19th century. In this period, the role of midwife was traditionally practiced by women whose lives mainly involved slavery. Their knowledge was forged and transmitted through practice and orality. Based on sources from the Fisicatura-mor, escape announcements published in the daily press, medical course conclusion theses, clinical cases published in medical journals and the literature of European travelers, this article focuses on the scenario of childbirth care, the profile of black women who worked as midwives in Rio de Janeiro throughout the first half of the 19th century, and the experiences of childbirth for African women and their descendants.

Keywords:
Midwives; Gender; Black women; 19th century slavery; Rio de Janeiro