Origins & Early Life

Louise (Bourgeois) Boursier (1563–1636) was a French midwife and medical writer who served as a royal midwife at the courts of Henry IV and Louis XIII. Largely self-taught, she became a licensed midwife in Paris in 1598 and was appointed midwife to Queen Marie de' Medici in 1601. Over the next eight years, Bourgeois attended the births of the queen's six children, including the future Louis XIII. She remained a royal court midwife for 26 years.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

In 1609, Bourgeois published the first volume of Observations diverses sur la sterilité, perte de fruict, foecondité, accouchements et maladies des femmes et enfants nouveaux naiz, the first book on obstetrics published by a woman. Two further volumes appeared in 1617 and 1626. Drawing on her experience attending births, Bourgeois combined medical instruction with detailed case histories, autobiography, and advice for midwives and women. Her writings addressed pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum care, diseases of women and newborns, and difficult deliveries. She emphasized knowledge gained through observation and practice while also drawing on established medical learning.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Bourgeois wrote for midwives, other medical practitioners, and women themselves...

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