Accoucheuse ✨
: In contemporary French-speaking regions, the title is still used in professional settings, such as infirmière accoucheuse (nurse-midwife).
: The term has been used since at least the late 18th century, with the Oxford English Dictionary tracing its English usage back to 1795. accoucheuse
If you're curious about how to say the word with a proper French accent, you can listen to the pronunciation here: : In contemporary French-speaking regions, the title is
An is a female birth attendant, often used as a more formal or French-derived term for a midwife or a female obstetrician. The word comes from the French verb accoucher , meaning "to give birth" or "to deliver," and literally translates to "one who is present at the bedside". Key Characteristics and Usage The word comes from the French verb accoucher
: While "accoucheuse" refers specifically to a woman, the male counterpart is an accoucheur .
: They are skilled individuals authorized to practice deliveries and, in some legal contexts, draw up official attestations of birth.