Lay-midwives, often called granny women, delivered many babies in West Virginia, particularly in rural areas, until the mid-1900s. As more women gave birth in hospitals during the 1930s and 1940s, home births became less common. By 1983, no traditional granny-midwives were known to be practicing in the state. In the 1970s, a new group of lay-midwives began supporting families who chose home births.

Most granny women learned by helping experienced midwives or doctors. They used simple tools, home remedies, and boiled water to keep equipment clean. Some well-known midwives, including Minnie Hammonds, Annie Brake, Hazel Libert, and Mollie Gabe (pictured), safely delivered hundreds of babies in their communities.