Hi Laurels :)

The ancient Egyptian language can be very tricky and wierd. Just because there isn't a word for midwife doesn't mean that it wasn't an idea in the society. For instance, there was also no word for "surgeon" though surgery was carried out. The word for doctor, or physician is "swnw" (pronounced 'sunu'). For instance, the title "Shepherd of the anus of the Pharaoh" was used for a physician who administered enemas to the great Per a'a. Of course, we also use the same word for sister, beloved and a board game :)

You're right Laurels, to the Egyptian childbirth was not generally considered to be a matter for either medical or male "interference" and medical papyri offer little to no information about childbirth. The whole process of childbirth was developed into a female-controlled rite that no man was allowed to be part of. The result of this is that, since men where by and large the literate ones we have very little written knowledge of what went on inside a birthing house.

There were however many deities who were believed to aid in childbirth, among them are Taweret, Hathor and Isis. There's a wonderful story in the Westcar Papyrus that tells of a group of goddesses (Isis, Nephthys, Heket and Meskhenet I believe) aiding the Lady Raddjedet in birth, however I can't find the darn thing anywhere :) If I find it, I'll post it as it gives probably the best look into midwives and childbirth in Ancient Egypt.

Also, our very own Mirjam Nebet has a great page on childbirth at her website.