Mary Breckinridge

Mary Breckinridge was an influential American nurse and midwife who founded the Frontier Nursing Service in Kentucky in 1925. Her work focused on providing healthcare to pregnant women and children in rural areas, where medical services were scarce. Breckinridge introduced innovative methods, including the use of nurse-midwives, to ensure safe childbirth and maternal care. Her efforts significantly improved healthcare access in Appalachian communities and laid the foundation for modern midwifery practices in the U.S. She is remembered for her dedication to maternal and child health, her contributions to public health, and her commitment to serving underserved populations.