ORCID: 0000–0003–4486–5367

Scopus Author ID: 55925533400

Ph.D., senior research fellow

School for Advanced Studies in the Humanities

Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public

Administration

Vernadsky av. 82, Moscow, 119571, Russia

Тel: +7 (499) 956–96–47

E-mail: dushakova@list.ru

DOI: 10.31168/2658–3356.2022.12

Abstract. This article discusses Moldovian Old Believers’ memories about childbirth practices that were aided by rural ritual specialists, that is, midwives. Based on field data obtained in 2008–2018, I trace the transformation of the institution of midwifery that was caused by interaction with official medicine, as well as the roles of midwives who were still in demand among local women even after the establishment of maternity hospitals.

Keywords: Old Believers, childbirth practices, ritual specialist, midwife, memory, Republic of Moldova, Romania

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