Babies From The 'Black Bag'

In the late '40's in rural South Carolina, my Great-Grandmother was the only midwife living in our neck of the woods. I would spend lots of time with her, especially during the summer months. Her black midwives' bag was always in its place behind the front door. Whenever
Great-Grandma had a visitor and he asked her for her services, she would grab the black bag.

One day I asked Great-Grandma what were the contents of her bag. Of course, she said the babies lived in the black bag and for me never to tamper with it in any way. I was four or five years old at the time, and boy! was I ever afraid to encounter a live baby in a black bag! No one could pay me to touch that bag.

On one memorable occasion, Great-Grandma took her black bag to a family' home. She told me to play with the other children while she assisted the mother. After about three hours, we heard a small squealing. Great-Grandma stuck her head out the bedroom door and announced that it was a girl. The five brothers and sisters and I wanted to see the baby. But they weren't done yet. Another hour passed before we heard more squealing. The second baby had made her presence known. Twins! Identical, except for the lungs. Baby number two had more power. She could squeal much louder than her sister.

When it was time for us kids to come into the bedroom to see the two new additions to that precious family, we were in awe. Where did the two babies come from? The three brothers and two older sisters were whispering among themselves. Suddenly, I felt so superior, for I knew they had previously resided in the 'black bag' until they decided which family they wanted to be a part of!

Great-Grandma looked very pleased at her satifying work. She would come back the next week to finish the paperwork and turn it in. All in all, Great-Grandma and I had a really productive day.