Historical Marker

Parteras of New Mexico and Emma Estrada (1933–1997)

Historical marker location:

NM Highway 609 / County Road 403, Gallup, New Mexico

( Joseph Montoya Boulevard in Gallup at I-40 exit)

Side 1

Historically, the practice of midwifery was essential to the birthing process in New Mexico. In this large, mostly rural state with few doctors, midwives, called parteras in Spanish, have helped women give birth to thousands of babies. When the University of New Mexico’s medical school opened in 1961, the State began to train and certify midwives. Today, licensed midwives frequently work with doctors and hospitals.

Side 2

Emma Estrada was a partera, or midwife, for over thirty years. She delivered more than seven hundred babies during an era when mothers in rural, sparsely populated areas had no choice but to deliver at home. She became the first licensed partera in New Mexico, and worked with doctors to assure the best medical care. She is remembered for her quiet confidence and devotion.