Who is Justin Siegemund? Why did Google Doodle celebrate her? What is she famous for? Some quests started when Google added her doodle on its interface during the celebration of Women of History Month. This doodle hits many countries like the US, UK, Greece, Germany, and Switzerland, and people’s curiosity is raised at its peak. Why does Google give her so much importance? From where does she belong, and what are her contributions to history? So, to reveal all the facts about Justin Siegemund. Thus, read the whale article to find some fantastic details.
Who Was Siegemund?
Siegmund was a Silesian midwife who provided her services in Germany in the 17th century. But the thing that makes her personality promising is an obstetrics book. She wrote a book about internal problems, pregnancies, childbirth, and the postpartum period in women. It was almost impossible for women to talk about the internal issues of women with such details. Her book titled “The Court Midwife” was the first textbook in the German language. It was awarded as the official medical book at European University Viadrina in 1690 and accepted the authenticity of details provided there.
Over Of Siegmund’s Life
Siegmund was born on 26 December 1636 and had a simple life. While in 1656, she was gone through a painful disease called prolapsed uterus in which the uterus dropped down into the vagina and stuck to the side wall; thus, the person felt severe pain, difficulty in urination, the fullness of the pelvis, and obstructed labors. She faced many problems and painful situations during that period, as there were no proper diagnosis and treatment systems for women-related diseases. This problem motivated her, and she started getting education about obstetrics and related issues.
Till 1670, she was able to deal with most of the women’s health-related issues. She provides her services free of cost to needy women and gets remuneration from wealthy and affluent families. Thus, she treats thousands of women with great devotion and enthusiasm. She knew the harmful impact of a wrong diagnosis; therefore, she thoroughly cared about the diagnosis of the disease first. Hence, she treated the women of time with great care.
Later, as her fame and reputation grew, she was appointed by the government of Germany. She also worked as the city midwife of Lognitz and the court midwife in Berlin, which is the acceptance of her services for the women.
Siegemund Exampliry Book “The Court Midwife”
She wrote this book while she was working in the court of Berlin. She named this book The Court Midwife. During her time in court, she dealt with a highly complicated delivery case of a lord. She handles that case with extreme skill and expertise. Thus, the court asked her to write a book about her talents to spread knowledge.
Her book “The Court Midwife” was a miracle for that time. Before that book, no authentic book or training manual was available for midwives, and all women’s health and labor mechanisms ran on traditional tips and tricks. She trained hundreds of midwives by face and thousands in her book “The Court Midwife.”
In this book, she explained in depth about safe birth practices, standard methods to use, and related complications. Moreover, she added two complete illustrations in her book, which opened the doors of questions for newcomers. These illustrations change the whole perspective of delivery. Before her book, no one knew about child labor and how to handle it.
She explained every method thoroughly through pictures, conversation, and information. She also added ways to resolve different types of problems. She added a few easy, less painful, and functional delivery methods.
Siegemund Clarify Misconceptions
Siegmund also clarifies the concept of that time, that labor pain was a punishment from god. She explained the reason for that pain and told people to change their mindset. She also teaches midwives to save the mother instead of the child in any problematic situation. Moreover, she states that women feel so weak after labor that they need special care and energetic food to recover. Hence, she changed her whole perception of that time. At the same time, the truth is always sour. She faced harsh wording, sexual attacks, criticism, and hate from males of that time. The males of that time thought she spread wrong practices in society.
Teaching The Art Of Midwifery
Siegemund taught the art of midwifery when education, learning, teaching, and acceptance of new concepts were taboo. She is an example of wisdom, courage, bravery, and motivation for the women of the whole world. Thus, Google pays tribute to her hard work and devotion by making a doodle highlighting her picture, a picture of a midwife holding a baby and a picture of a fetus in the mother’s womb.
Google Tribute Siegemund
Moreover, Google publishes a blog about the services of this great lady. Google thanks Siegemund for establishing the foundation of modern childbirth and educating women about pregnancy problems. Google also pays tribute to this woman for making deliveries safer and saving women’s lives. Siegemund conducted more than 7000 deliveries during her career. She died on 10 November 1705 but is still alive in many hearts.
Conclusion
The whole struggle of Siegemund’s life tells us where there is a will, there is a way. Because of her choice and devotion, she paved a way that was not proven fruitful in the past but still is in the present. Her concept of explanation through illustration is still in practice and is considered the best method of explanation for students. She taught thousands of midwives and saved the lives of thousands of women. Thus, she is one of the most deserving personalities to keep the space on Google Doodle during Women of the History Week.
