The Social Meaning of Midwifery

`This book is fascinating.' - Jill Cohen, International Journal of Midwifery `Sheila Hunt, in her observational study of labour ward culture shows us as we are.' - MIDIRS Midwifery Digest `I foresee it becoming a vadet mecum for all those involved in the provision of intrapartum care, wherever that may take place.' - Jeanne Taylor, Midwives Many books exist illustrating the power structure of the medical professional, which is male gendered, and its significance for women within this. No study has so far tackled the relationship between women as child birth professionals and women as mothers. The attitude of the midwife towards the labour ward is examined. How the mother is marginalised by the managerial role taken on by the midwife towards the production process (childbirth) and the object of production (child) is the main focus of this book. The stream of feminist orientation, which is said to run through a section of the midwifery profession, is examined.