Fans of hit show Call the Midwife will have been amazed by the advances made in the delivery of babies in the last 50 years.
But what is even more astonishing is that it is only a century since the most caring of professions, welcoming new babies into the world, was actually regulated.
Before the Midwives (Scotland) Act came into existence 100 years ago today, the profession was unregulated, leaving it open to well meaning but untrained individuals, or to those with more unscrupulous motives.
It was against a backdrop of high mortality rates among infants and mothers that the act was introduced.
“Before that we had howdies,” explained Catherine Cummings, NHS Fife’s midwifery manager.
These were traditional “midwives” who usually lacked any kind of formal qualifications.
“Some of them should not have been doing what they were doing, they had no training at all.
“That is why the act came into play, it was for the safety of women and babies, and midwifery became a registered profession.”
A century ago, how you gave birth and the care you received, also came down to class.
Richer members of society would have the means to engage an obstetrician.
“Then with the act coming in midwives were registered.
“Not only did it improve care, but it meant women had a voice and could set out their plan for birth.
“Giving birth is natural, but that had been lost because of medicalisation,” she said.
Her colleague, inpatient midwifery manager Lorraine Philip, “Midwives are here for the women.
said: “Midwife means to be with women, and to me the role is to ensure a woman has the birth she wants.”
“We never forget that.”
Mrs Cummings added: “Childbirth is a miracle and I am honoured to be part of this profession.”
While most days are filled with joy, the role of a midwife is also tinged with sorrow, as families who have anticipated welcoming a little bundle into the world face tragedy.
“That is when it is hard, but that is when we talk of the art of midwifery. Midwifery is not a science, it is an art,” added Mrs Philip.
Midwife Caroline Gibb, 41, has seen the work of the Fife midwifery team from both sides.
Not only is she a member of the dedicated team, but she had her own two children surrounded by her colleagues.
The first, Freya, 5, was born at the old Forth Park, and the second, Willow, 2, at the Vic.
“The facilities are better here, but the care is just the same. For me it was lovely to be looked after by people I knew.”