The Sydney office of the Australian College of Midwives is home to the Pam Hayes Midwifery Archive: a historical collection of books, artefacts and memorabilia associated with midwifery. Among this collection are books such as a first edition of A treatise on the theory and practice of midwifery written by British physician and lecturer in obstetrics, William Smellie in 1752, and Cases in midwifery written by British physician William Giffard, published in 1734.

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The book collection has many other early works going back to the turn of the 20th century, as well as a very extensive catalogue covering the development of midwifery and associated areas of expertise up to current times. Many of the works are rare and may only be found elsewhere in private collections. These works are a wonderful resource for midwifery historians and researchers.

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The database will be continue to be developed and extended as we are able, with descriptors, links and more resources.

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Please note: the Pam Hayes Midwifery Archive Book Collection is not a public lending library. We invite academics and research students to contact us if we hold a resource that you cannot find elsewhere, and would like to discuss potential access.

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Lorraine Doyle, Custodian of the Pam Hayes Midwifery Archive Collection with Pam Mulholland and Ann Grieve