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The Role of the French Midwives in Establishing the First Special Care Units for Sick Newborns

Journal of Perinatology volume 22, pages 75–77 (2002)Cite this article

Abstract

At the end of the 19th century, under Dr. Tarnier's direction, the first trials of incubators were performed at the Paris Maternity. The success led to the construction of a special pavilion for sick newborns. The midwife-in-chief, Mrs. Henry, raised the funds for the construction. The results of the initial trial are reported. In 1892, the successor of Dr. Tarnier, Dr. Budin, the Chair of Obstetrics, did not approve of the condition of the nursery. Mrs. Henry left abruptly. The unit was placed under medical direction in order to bring a scientific approach to the care of the sick newborns. Stepdown units called pouponnieres were created to assure the transition of the infants to the home and decrease neonatal mortality.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Neonatology, SUNY Downstate Hospital, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Box 49, Brooklyn, NY, USA

    Paul L Toubas MD

  2. Division of Neonatology, Columbia Wesley Medical Center and University of Kansas School of Medicine, 550 North Hillside, Wichita, KS, USA

    R Nelson MD

Authors
  1. Paul L Toubas MD
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  2. R Nelson MD
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Toubas, P., Nelson, R. The Role of the French Midwives in Establishing the First Special Care Units for Sick Newborns. J Perinatol 22, 75–77 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7210621

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