Kielland Obstetric Forceps
Ullapool Museum

Forceps have been used during childbirth for centuries in order to aid the mother in the safe delivery of a baby. Though imperfect, they have saved countless lives, particularly when there are complications in a birth.  

This pair was developed by Christian Kielland (1871-1941), a Norwegian obstetrician. His design was focused on preventing harm to both the mother and the child during delivery when a baby requires rotation and fails to progress normally down the birth canal.  

They were used by GPs until the 1980s. Nowadays, a Caesarean section is considered safer when this procedure is required.