Justine Siegemund was a 17th-century Sielsian physician and midwife who made important contributions to the field of obstetrics and gynecology. Her groundbreaking work and determination to advance women’s healthcare in a male-dominated field have made her an inspiring figure in the history of medicine.
Siegemund was born on December 26, 1636 in Rhonstock, now Roztoka, Poland. She was the daughter of Elias Dittrich, a Lutheran pastor. Her father taught her to read and write.
At the age of 17, Siegemund married Christian Siegemund. Their marriage had no children.
When Justine was 20 years old, she suffered a prolapsed uterus; However, her midwives misdiagnosed her as pregnant. After suffering at the hands of ignorant midwives, Siegemund decided to become a midwife.
She began reading books on obstetrics and began to gain her own knowledge about women’s health care. After three years of training, she had learned enough from attending births under the guidance of qualified midwives.
Siegemung began providing free services to poor women in her locality. Her husband supported her financially. Over time, her reputation as an exceptional midwife went far. She also started treating rich women. As her client base expanded, the Duchess of Legnica, who was suffering from a cervical tumor, visited her.
With her extensive knowledge of obstetrics and female anatomy, she expertly removed the tumor and became midwife to the duchess and her court.
At that time, women without children were prohibited from being midwives, but Siegemund overcame the obstacle and became one of the most renowned midwives of the time.
Despite her success, she was still despised by patriarchal society. Martin Kerger, Siegemund’s former supervisor, accused her of unsafe birth practices in 1680. However, Siegemund had the support of Kerger’s colleagues at the Frankfurt medical school on the Oder. Furthermore, Kerger himself lacked practical, experiential professional knowledge of women’s reproductive anatomy and childbirth, and this was evident in his own statements. Her previous clients also testified in support of Siegemund. Therefore, Kreger’s accusations did not carry much weight and the case against her was dropped.
After her victory, she became the midwife of the city of Legnica, a most impressive feat. Over the years, she treated women of royalty and nobility and eventually, her amazing work reached the ears of the Queen of England, Mary II.
In 1690, Siegemund published an obstetrics manual “The Court Midwife (Die Kgl. Preußische und Chur-Brandenburgische Hof-Wehemutter)”. This comprehensive book, written in German, was one of the first medical texts on obstetrics and gynecology and included detailed descriptions of female anatomy, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. It also included practical advice for midwives and was widely read throughout Europe.
Despite her groundbreaking work, Siegemund faced significant opposition from male doctors who refused to accept a woman as a legitimate medical expert. She was forced to defend herself against accusations of quackery and witchcraft.
However, Siegemund persisted in his work and continued to push the boundaries of medical knowledge. His legacy has had a lasting impact on the field of medicine. She was a pioneer in women’s health care and helped establish obstetrics and gynecology as a legitimate medical specialty. Her contributions to the field continue to be recognized and celebrated today.
Justine Siegemund was an extraordinary woman who overcame significant barriers to become a respected medical expert and pioneer in women’s health care. Her groundbreaking work and determination to advance the field of medicine have made her an important figure in the history of medicine, and her legacy continues to inspire generations of doctors and healthcare professionals.
Justine Siegemund was born in 1636 in Lower Silesia. Her father was a pastor. At age 20 she suffered a prolapsed uterus. Her midwives misdiagnosed her as pregnant and therefore she did not receive proper treatment.
— Vagina Museum (@vagina_museum)
November 10, 2021
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: ptivs2.edu.vn