Why Not Me?: The Story of Gladys Milton, Midwife

by Wendy L. Bovard, Gladys Milton

This is the personal story of a courageous and compassionate Florida midwife and an account of her fight to provide women with affordable health care. It's a modern day tale of David versus Goliath, where "David" was one of the last grand ("granny") lay midwives still delivering babies in the U.S.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir

127 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 1992

Reviews

[Tara Haywood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a Gladys Milton baby. My mom, Karen gave me a copy years ago. I finally read it and learned so much about my Gladys through this book. I'm so grateful this book exists so we all can learn about her and from her, even now.

[Tiff Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

How do you comment on someone else's story? Especially one as powerful as this? The short answer is that you don't. You just witness it. Respect it. And make sure it doesn't die.

[Heather P]

I have been meaning to read this book all my life it seems. This lady was an amazing woman in my family's life. She even writes a little bit about us in a chapter. Her life has been a testimony of grace and love. She served the under served in our community as a midwife for many years. This story is about her childhood and her battle with the state as they ask her to become a midwife, and then try to take her license away as more afluent white families come to see her. She has many struggles in her life. Her mother not being around, her clinic burning down twice, a battle with breast cancer, lots of tragedies. She was a woman that had joy no matter what and was a pillar of strength. I miss her dearly and need to read this book.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

The moment I began reading this book, it intrigued me. The text flowed easily and effortlessly. Years ago, I'd heard about Miss Gladys from a good friend who had been blessed to have her deliver her two boys. Reading about Miss Gladys filled my heart with joy and sadness; sometimes even anger. I intend to purchase this book and donate it to the library.

[Yulonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

It served it's purpose--to learn more about midwifery and the challenges faced by traditional midwives in the South.