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 Women worked together

Early women settlers came together to quilt, cook and catch babies. Migrating from many countries and cultures, they introduced a variety of traditions in the birthing room.

 

In Santa Cruz a few physicians who attended births in homes introduced the use of forceps, pain medications, and surgical procedures during the birthing process.

 

When Santa Cruz settler, Georgina Kirby had her baby in 1853, she used a new pain control gas called chloroform.

The Journal of Georgiana Bruce Kirby

Feb.13th 1853

“We are in a state of partial anxiety about doctors and nurses, those her of the former class being bunglers, giving calomel to a confined woman and losing healthy patients frequently, and most of the latter being filled more or less with old women’s superstitions as regards the treatment of new-born babies.

May 15th 1853

K. gone down to the Pajaro to make more certain of the nurse for me…”

May 31st 1853

“The good nurse cannot leave home. I hate the idea of a doctor. Alas, if the child does not push his own way vigorously into the world it may go ill with me, but I hope and trust it [the child] will.

June 29th 1853

It was at least ten days before the time I had calculated on. No nurse could be any possibility be obtained. …For 24 hours I had a terrible time and had to take chloroform at last. Mrs Meader was visiting and stayed with Georgina until the baby was born. Mrs Frick the school-master’s wife stayed for a week. 

Georgina, Feminist Reformer of the West, The Journal of Georgiana Bruce Kirby, 1852-1860. Santa Cruz County Historical Trust Santa Cruz, California, 1987.

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