Trials of labour : the re-emergence of midwifery / Brian Burtch.

Burtch, Brian E., 1949- (Author).

Summary:

Brian Burtch looks at contemporary midwifery practice in Canada and the role of the state in shaping and defining that practice. He examines the qualifications of midwives and discusses their legal status, the legacy of competition between nurses and midwives, and the impact of legal actions concerning midwifery practice. He emphasizes the pivotal role of the state in supporting midwifery and discusses the difficulties created by increasing interest in midwifery among expectant women and the social forces that inhibit the establishment of a self-governing midwifery profession. Health care policy analysts throughout the country are questioning whether midwifery can offer a more holistic, safe, and less costly manner of supervising child-birth in Canada. Government policy-makers, health care professionals, and the women's community will find that this timely book provides critically needed information.

Record details

ISBN: 9780773511415 (bound) :
ISBN: 9780773511439 (pbk.) :
ISBN: 0773511415 (bound) :
ISBN: 0773511431 (pbk.) :
Physical Description: xiv, 270 p. : ill ; 24 cm.
Publisher: Montreal, QC ; McGill-Queen's University Press, c1994.

Content descriptions

Bibliography, etc. Note:	Includes bibliographical references (p. [233]-260) and index.
Formatted Contents Note:	The midwifery movement in Canada - - The state and health care - - Historical and crosscultural aspects of midwifery - - "To be with woman": midwifery practice in Canada - - Midwives and the law in Canada - - Moving into midwifery: paradoxes of legalization.