A home birth is an event which few pregnant women today would even consider. However up to around the middle of the last century, most women gave birth at home with the help of a midwife, popularly known in Maltese as "il-Majjistra".

Il-Majjistra was a valued member within the village community and gave a vital service before, during and after birth; indeed a much needed service before the advent of modern hospitals and easily available health care.

But, what is actually known about il-Majjistra and her work? What training did such a midwife usually have? What did she carry around in her little black bag? What did she do in emergencies? Janice Cassar, a qualified midwife herself, will attempt to answer these questions and in the process, remove some of the mystery surrounding the figure of il-Majjistra.

Ms. Cassar will be presenting her research on midwives in Malta between 1900 and 1990, during a talk to be held on 15 May at 7pm at the Juventutis Domus in St. Gregory Street, Zejtun. During the presentation there will also be an account of the experiences of midwives, who practised their trade in Zejtun and its whereabouts.

Attendance to this event, which is being organised by Wirt iz-Zejtun, is free of charge.