[A century of midwives' trade organization activity].

In Finland, the first midwifery associations were founded in 1898. During the early years, the central aim of the associations was to improve the social and economical status of midwives. General meetings of midwives were held where, in addition to following presentations, midwives had a chance to discuss specific issues of the profession. In the third general meeting, the initiative was taken to form a central administration and, through different stages The Central Federation of the Finnish Midwife Associations was founded in 1919. Later the name was changed into The Finnish Federation of Midwives.