Margaret Wheeler (midwife)

Margaret Wheeler was a British midwife who practised in London during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. While precise dates of her birth and death are not definitively established, she gained recognition through her published work, The Midwives Vade Mecum: Or, a Compleat Practice of Midwifery (1699). This manual offered practical advice and instruction for midwives, covering topics such as prenatal care, labour management, and postnatal care.

The Midwives Vade Mecum is notable for its accessibility and its focus on the practical aspects of midwifery. Wheeler's writing reflects a commitment to empowering midwives with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe and effective care to women during childbirth. The book addresses a range of common obstetric complications and offers remedies based on contemporary medical knowledge and traditional practices.

While much of Wheeler's personal life remains unknown, her contribution to the field of midwifery is significant. Her publication provided a valuable resource for midwives at a time when formal medical education was not widely available to women. Her work offers insight into the practices and challenges faced by midwives in early modern England and serves as a historical record of women's healthcare during this period.