Uploaded December 2024 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
📰 Subscribe to Maiden Mother Matriarch here to listen to full extended episodes: louiseperry.substack.com
My guest today is Wendy Kline, Historian of Medicine at Purdue University and author of books including 'Exposed: The Hidden History of the Pelvic Exam', 'Coming Home: How Midwives Changed Birth', and 'Bodies of Knowledge: Sexuality, Reproduction, and Women’s Health in the Second Wave.'
We spoke about the rise of gynaecology and obstetrics as medical disciplines, the sometimes sinister histories attached to early innovations, and the challenge for nineteenth century doctors of examining women's bodies at a time when female modesty was highly prized.
In the extended part of the episode we spoke about feminist resistance to the medical establishment in the form of the home birthing movement, the La Leche League, and books like 'Our Bodies, Ourselves.' We also spoke about attitudes towards the use of pain relief during childbirth, which has often faced greatest opposition from women.
The MMM podcast can also be found on Apple, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms: https://linktr.ee/maidenmothermatriarch
Follow Maiden Mother Matriarch on social media:
Twitter: @maiden_podcast
Instagram: @maiden_mother_matriarch
TikTok: @maiden_podcast
#LouisePerry #Gynecology #MaidenMotherMatriarch
📰 Subscribe to Maiden Mother Matriarch here to listen to full extended episodes: louiseperry.substack.com
My guest today is Wendy Kline, Historian of Medicine at Purdue University and author of books including 'Exposed: The Hidden History of the Pelvic Exam', 'Coming Home: How Midwives Changed Birth', and 'Bodies of Knowledge: Sexuality, Reproduction, and Women’s Health in the Second Wave.'
We spoke about the rise of gynaecology and obstetrics as medical disciplines, the sometimes sinister histories attached to early innovations, and the challenge for nineteenth century doctors of examining women's bodies at a time when female modesty was highly prized.
In the extended part of the episode we spoke about feminist resistance to the medical establishment in the form of the home birthing movement, the La Leche League, and books like 'Our Bodies, Ourselves.' We also spoke about attitudes towards the use of pain relief during childbirth, which has often faced greatest opposition from women.
The MMM podcast can also be found on Apple, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms: https://linktr.ee/maidenmothermatriarch
Follow Maiden Mother Matriarch on social media:
Twitter: @maiden_podcast
Instagram: @maiden_mother_matriarch
TikTok: @maiden_podcast
#LouisePerry #Gynecology #MaidenMotherMatriarch










