How did Aberdeen revolutionise modern midwifery and mother and baby care?

Whether you were born in – or gave birth in – Aberdeen or elsewhere, you will probably have benefitted from the  pioneering work of some of the people mentioned in this book.

Bringing life to Aberdeen highlights many of the individuals who have made major contributions to the advancement of midwifery and neonatal services, and describes their influence and impact. Foremost amongst these are the lasting and defining accomplishments of Professor Sir Dugald Baird and Lady May Baird who give their name to a new hospital dedicated to the care of women and their babies in North East Scotland, known as the Baird Family Hospital.

From Margaret Bane, an Aberdeenshire ‘howdie’ (midwife) accused of witchcraft in 1597 and put to death, to Margaret Myles, born in Aberdeen in 1892 and responsible for Myles Textbook for Midwives which – now in its 17th edition – remains the definitive resource on practical midwifery, through to the present day, the story of the 

people who have brought life to Aberdeen is truly remarkable.

‘It is a profoundly moving story which these editors have put together for us, the story of huge improvements in the care of mothers, the care of babies and the consequent improved rights of women and the creation of a more civilised society.’

BARNEY CROCKETT, Lord Provost of Aberdeen (2017–22)

GEORGE YOUNGSON is Emeritus Professor Paediatric surgery at the University of Aberdeen and Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital. He was appointed as a consultant Paediatric and Neonatal Surgeon in 1984 and was Aberdeen’s first full-time paediatric surgeon.

LESLEY DUNBAR was a founder member of Aberdeen Women’s Alliance women’s history group and was a Councillor for Woodside, Hilton, Stockethill Ward to Aberdeen City Council from 2012.

ALISON MCCALL is a gender historian with particular interests in women in education in Victorian Scotland. She was former convener of Women’s History Scotland. She is also a member of Aberdeen Women’s Alliance.

FIONA RENNIE is a member of Aberdeen women’s Alliance and became one of the history detectives who researched the history of the woman of Aberdeen. She was coordinator of the memories group.