Margaret Charles Smith facts for kids

Margaret Charles Smith (born September 12, 1906 – died November 12, 2004) was an amazing African-American midwife. She was known for her incredible skills over a career that lasted more than 30 years.

Even though she worked in rural areas, she helped deliver over 3,000 babies. She lost almost none of the babies and no mothers during childbirth. In 1949, she became one of the first official midwives in Greene County, Alabama. She continued her important work until 1976. Later, she wrote a book about her life and was honored in the Alabama Women's Hall of Fame.

Early Life of Margaret Charles Smith

Margaret Charles Smith was born in Eutaw, Alabama on September 12, 1906. Sadly, her mother, Beulah Sanders, passed away about three weeks after Margaret was born. Margaret was then raised by her grandparents on their farm in Eutaw, Alabama.

Her grandparents were local farmers. Her grandmother, Margaret Charles, had been a slave and was also a midwife. Margaret attended a small country school in Eutaw. However, she often had to help with farm work, which sometimes stopped her from going to school. She left school completely at age 16 when her grandfather died.

Margaret Smith's Midwife Career

Margaret Charles Smith, often called "Miss Margaret," first learned about midwifery when she was only five years old. She had her first experience helping with a birth even before the main midwife arrived. This happened when her future husband's cousin's wife was having a baby.

Margaret became very interested in midwifery as a teenager. However, she didn't start her training until she was in her late thirties. She trained with a local midwife named Ella Anderson. In 1949, Greene County gave her a permit to practice midwifery. This made her one of the county's first official midwives.

The Role of Granny Midwives

During that time, "granny midwives" were very important. These were lay African-American midwives like Margaret Smith. They were crucial for Black women in the South because many hospitals would not admit them.

Margaret worked in three local clinics for 28 years. She worked alongside medical doctors, helping to bring modern medical practices to the community.

Margaret's Amazing Record

Over her 35-year career, Margaret Smith delivered more than 3,000 babies. Many of the mothers she helped were not well-fed or healthy. Despite these challenges, she lost almost none of the babies. She also never lost a mother during childbirth.

Margaret Charles Smith successfully delivered twins and babies who were in difficult positions. She even helped deliver babies born too early. Sometimes, mothers could not pay her for her services. They would pay her with farm produce instead. Other times, she was paid about five to ten dollars for each birth she attended.

During the time she practiced, infant mortality (babies dying) among African-American women was much higher. Her success rate was truly amazing compared to the average.

Changes in Midwifery Laws

In 1976, Alabama made traditional midwifery illegal. However, Margaret Smith was allowed to continue practicing for a while because of her vast experience. She received her last permit to practice midwifery in 1981. Later, the state passed laws that allowed nurse-midwives to work in hospitals.

Writing Her Life Story

In 1996, Margaret Smith helped write a book about her life. It was called Listen to Me Good: The Life Story of an Alabama Midwife. Her co-author was Linda Janet Holmes, a research scientist. The book showed how important midwives were and also talked about race and class in Alabama during the Civil Rights era.

Margaret's Personal Life

Margaret met Randolph Smith when they were both in a one-room schoolhouse in Eutaw, Alabama. They fell in love and got married in 1943, even though her grandmother did not approve. The couple lived on Margaret's grandmother's farm. Randolph Smith started hog farming, which became the main way the family earned money.

Margaret gave birth to three sons: Spencer Charles, Huston Charles, and Herman Smith. Her first son was born when she was still a teenager. She even served as her own midwife for her second birth! She also helped deliver her granddaughter's first child, continuing the family tradition.

Later Life and Passing

Margaret Charles Smith and her family continued farming at their home in Eutaw, Alabama, for most of her life. She lived to be 98 years old, even with some health problems. Margaret passed away in 2004.

Honors and Legacy

Margaret Charles Smith received many honors for her important work and dedication.

• In 1983, she was given the keys to Eutaw. She was the first Black American to receive this special honor.
• In 1985, the National Black Women’s Health Project honored her.
• In 1997, she was a main speaker at the New Orleans Rural Health Initiative.
• In 2003, the Congressional Black Caucus honored her in Washington, D.C.
• In 2004, she received a lifetime achievement award at the Black Midwife and Healer’s Conference.
• In 2008, a documentary film about her life, called Miss Margaret, was released.
• In 2010, Margaret Smith was inducted into the Alabama Women's Hall of Fame.