State Certified Midwife's hat, England, 1946-1982
State Certified Midwives (SCM) were established by an Act of Parliament in 1902, which required midwives to register with a central board. Later, examinations and additional rules, regulations and licenses also became requirements of the position. The uniform, including a grey hat and overcoat, was introduced in the 1940s. This professional recognition greatly improved the status of midwives.
Object number:
1982-561/35 Pt10
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: hat
Shaped coverings for the head having a brim and crown, or one of the two.
Glossary: midwife
A person, usually a woman who assists during childbirth. Historically, many midwives learnt through experience rather than formal training.