Ann Dally

Ann Dally (1929-2007) was a British doctor, psychiatrist, and author, known for her work on women's health, particularly in the areas of menstruation, childbirth, and postnatal depression. She was a vocal advocate for women's rights and challenged prevailing medical and societal attitudes towards women's bodies and experiences.

Dally qualified as a doctor in 1954. Her career included working as a psychiatrist in various settings, including general practice and hospitals. She became increasingly interested in the psychological and social factors affecting women's health, leading her to research and write extensively on the subject.

Her most notable work, Inventing Motherhood: The Consequences of an Ideal, published in 1982, critiqued the idealized view of motherhood prevalent in Western society and explored the potential negative consequences of this ideal on women's mental health. She argued that the unrealistic expectations placed on mothers could lead to feelings of inadequacy, guilt, and depression.

Dally's other publications included books and articles on topics such as menstruation, menopause, and the history of women's medicine. She was a controversial figure, often challenging established medical practices and societal norms. However, her work contributed significantly to a greater understanding of women's health issues and helped to pave the way for more informed and compassionate approaches to women's healthcare.