Supervisors info:
Παπαντωνίου Νικόλαος, Ομότιμος Καθηγητής, Ιατρική, ΕΚΠΑ
Κασσάνος Δημήτριος, Ομότιμος Καθηγητής, Ιατρική, ΕΚΠΑ
Χρέλιας Χαράλαμπος, Αναπληρωτής Καθηγητής, Ιατρική, ΕΚΠΑ
Summary:
Introduction:
The birth of a child has always been an event of the utmost importance in a woman’s life, across all the cultures of the world.
In ancient times, going into labour was a procedure of heightened risk, as there was a lack of knowledge and expertise in cases of dystocia, problems in pregnancy, as well as inadequate understanding of a woman’s reproductive system.
A new perception was formed, through myth and religion-based medicine, from the school of Hippocrates in the 5th century BC, which gave its place to the scientific observations of the 2nd century AD, to the most renowned gynaecologist of the ancient world, Soranus of Ephesus, who placed gynaecology to a higher status.
However, a high rate of maternal and perinatal mortality remained, as the majority of women received nursing from the common maid, who often lacked practical expertise.
Through a revision of literature, there was an attempt to investigate the ties of past to present times, observing how, even 2.500 years later, and despite the existence of modern means, the same concern remains: that the solidified scientific knowledge serve the purpose of an easier labour, without risking the health of the mother or the newborn child.
The study’s aim:
The aim of this postgraduate study is to present the evolution of Midwifery, from the early historic periods to the Graeco-Roman times. The prominent figures of medical science as well as the founders of the gynaecology and obstetrics will be mentioned. In the appendix, there are votive offerings, headstones, and ancient medical tools, which help create a clear image of the realities of each era.
Materials and method:
Several references from Greek and foreign literature were cited, as well as online materials. There was also considerable input from Greek libraries and museum collections.
Conclusions:
A strong connection between historical past and modern scientific thought can be observed. We have inherited an invaluable treasure of knowledge through the myths, along with the guidance of the scientific observations from the medical schools of ancient Greece, as well as the establishment of midwifery in the Roman times. Through the centuries, names and terms of illnesses from all over the world have derived from a common source: the Greek language.
However, despite the fact that medicine is based on the scientific breakthroughs of the past, the notion of innovation has always existed, like the sacred serpent of Asclepius which sheds its skin every year.
Keywords:
Obstetrics, Labor, Ancient Greece, Soranus, Breastfeeding
