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This book provides an introduction to the sociological study of midwifery. The readings have been selected to highlight the interplay between midwifery and medicine, reflecting the medicalization of childbirth. It highlights the major themes in both a historical and a current context, as well as western and non-western societies. Two major themes underlie the organization of this book: that the conception of midwifery must be broadened to encompass a sociological perspective; and that the ongoing trend toward the medicalization of midwifery is crucial to an understanding of the historical, current, and future status of midwifery. By medicalization of childbirth and midwifery the author mean the increasing tendency for women to prefer a hospital delivery to a home delivery, the increasing trend toward the use of technology and clinical intervention in childbirth, and the determination of medical practitioners to confine the role played by midwives in pregnancy and childbirth, if any, to a purely subordinate one.
With the increasing risk of litigation in midwifery, there is often a move to err on the side of caution and classify women as 'at risk' even if they present with only a hint of a problem. Reflecting the need for global professional standards, this unique book presents the available evidence on normality in childbirth and proposes new approaches and paradigms for future research and practice. Covering a variety of subjects, international contributors present evidence-based, practical expertise on normal birth to help readers become aware of the wide parameters of "normal" in order to practice effectively and safely. Explores the nature and implications of normal childbirth as opposed to birth with medical intervention. Challenges the fundamental assumptions underpinning current beliefs and attitudes surrounding normal birth. Synthesizes evidence to provide different ways of seeing normality and interpreting its meanings. Provides a highly applicable reference for readers with an interest in the multiple aspects of normal birth. With 18 expert contributors
First published in 2001. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.
The evidence surrounding the skills and approaches to support good birth has grown exponentially over the last two decades, but so too have the obstacles facing women and midwives who strive to achieve good birth. This new book critically explores the complex issues surrounding contemporary childbirth practices in a climate which is ever more medicalised amidst greater insecurity at broad social and political levels. The authors offer a rigorous, and thought-provoking, analysis of current clinical, managerial and policy-making environments, and how they have prevented sustaining the kind of progress we need. The Politics of Maternity explores the most hopeful developments such as the abundan...
The Sociology of Healthcare Safety and Quality presents a series of research-informed readings on the sociological contributions of technologies, practices, experiences, and organizational quality and safety across a range of healthcare contexts. Represents the first collection of peer-reviewed research articles showcasing ways that sociology can contribute to the ongoing policy concern of healthcare safety and quality Features original contributions from leading experts in healthcare related fields from three continents Reveals the state-of-the art in sociological analyses of contemporary healthcare safety and quality along with future directions in the field Offers sociological insights from the perspectives of managers, clinicians, and patients
This new edition provides an up-to-date and thoughtful guide to supporting women in labour, looking at a range of techniques and approaches that promote a safe and positive experience of birth for women and their families. Across the world, support in labour has been shown to reduce obstetric interventions and improve outcomes for women and babies. Written by two highly experienced midwifery authors, this text draws on a wide range of cutting-edge research on this topic, identifying how the evidence can be applied to everyday practice. Narratives from women and practitioners, including midwives, doulas, childbirth educators and students, are used to illustrate a range of situations where the...
This authoritative, state-of-the-art reference collection addresses the main issues and core debates related to gender and healthcare in one accessible volume. This essential guide to an area of increasing interest provides a critical overview of debates as well as practical guidance on how to bring gender perspectives to the heart of international health policy, practice and research.
Providing insights into midwifery, a team of reputable contributors describe the development of nurse- and direct-entry midwifery in the United States, including the creation of two new direct-entry certifications, the Certified Midwife and the Certified Professional Midwife, and examine the history, purposes, complexities, and the political strife that has characterized the evolution of midwifery in America. Including detailed case studies, the book looks at the efforts of direct-entry midwives to achieve legalization and licensure in seven states: New York, Florida, Michigan, Iowa, Virginia, Colorado, and Massachusetts with varying degrees of success.
"How Big is a Placenta Bowl? And Other Weird Questions You'll Ask When Planning a Home Birth" tackles your most outrageous and irreverent home birth questions and delivers practical advice for couples preparing to give birth at home. From cord blood banking and circumcision to newborn immunizations and insurance coverage, "How Big is a Placenta Bowl?" answers all your home birth questions, including: -How messy is home birth? -How much will it cost? -How do I get the gunk out of the birth tub? -How do I choose a midwife? -How can I convince others I'm not crazy? -What should I wear? -Why the heck do I need olive oil? -Should I have my other kids at the birth? One of the only guides to home birth written specifically for a United States audience, the book also includes a special section for husbands and partners on what they need to know, and it contains detailed state-by-state information about midwifery regulations, insurance coverage, and newborn testing procedures. Also included is a birth kit checklist and a sample birth plan for home birthers.