Winifred May de Kok

Winifred May de Kok, M.D. (17 May 1893 – 1969) was a South Africa-born writer and doctor. She was born in Bethlehem in the Orange Free State on 17 May 1893 and attended medical school in England during the 1920s. Personal life She married the British short-story writer Alfred Edgar Coppard in 1932; they had two children.

Career

Medical career De Kok practiced medicine in England until 1953, focusing on women’s and infant health. She was recognized for her straightforward and practical advice on parenting and family life at a time when formal family planning organizations were limited.

Broadcasting career After retiring from clinical practice, she became a broadcaster for the BBC television program Tell Me, Doctor, where she discussed topics related to pregnancy, child-rearing, and family health. This helped bring medical advice directly to the public.

Writing career As a spokeswoman for women's and neonates' health before the era of family planning, she published several books and articles on parenting and family health.

Selected works New Babes for Old (1932) First Baby (1947) You and Your Child (1955) Your Baby and You (1957)

Death Winifred died on 31 August 1969 at the age of 76.