BUILDING THE NATION THROUGH WOMEN'S HEALTH: MODERN ...

INTRODUCTION
Childbirth changed dramatically in early twentieth-century China. Jieshengpo (接生婆), or
“birth grannies” (also called wenpo 稳婆, chanpo 产婆, or laolao 姥姥), were older, married, or
widowed women, usually multiparas (women who had given birth to more than one child) with
birth experience. Like European or American midwives of the time, they received their
knowledge casually from older, experienced women. They wore traditional padded jackets,
skirts, and slippers, with their long hair parted in the middle and bound or braided at the back.
Over their doorways they hung a placard signifying their profession: “shousheng laolao” (收生
姥姥, granny who attends births) or “jixiang laolao” (吉祥姥姥, lucky granny). Some signs
used more colorful language: “kuai ma qing che, mou shi shou xi” (快马轻车,某氏收洗: fast
horse and light cart [speedy birth], and cleanup afterwards).
The jieshengpo’s responsibilities centered around the birth itself, while pre- and postnatal
care were the responsibility of the pregnant woman and her immediate family. During
pregnancy, the mother-to-be was careful to follow proscriptions regarding her diet and daily
activities, and she and her family members made offerings to various deities to ensure the safe
birth of a male heir. The idea that the mother’s actions could influence her unborn child had
existed for centuries in China. Taijiao, translated as “fetal education” or “prenatal care,”
encouraged pregnant women to avoid quarreling, sudden movements, and certain food and drink.
She instead should listen to soothing music, move slowly, and sit up straight in order to have
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