No Perfect Birth

Kristin Haltinner is associate professor of sociology at the University of Idaho.

This worthwhile, grounded study features women's stories, a historical perspective, the recognition of power, and the possibility of change. Haltinner appropriately utilizes Michel Foucault's theories to emphasize three key elements of time, space, and routine that contribute to women's traumatic birth experiences. The self-identified women from the rural northwestern US with whom Haltinner spoke give voice to their perceived trauma due to their lack of control, which shines a negative light on providers and the larger health care system against a backdrop of patriarchy, violence, hatred, support, and invisibility. The author presents Finland’s structure of government-funded obstetric care and Germany’s postpartum mental health support to underscore the need for social change in the US through free universal health coverage along with reforms to address mental health, family leave, and other changes to health care…. Recommended. General readers through faculty; professionals.

• Chapter 1: “The Most Horrible Part:” The Trauma Imposed by Time Chapter 2: “Worse Than the Birth:” The Trauma Imposed by Space Chapter 3: “That’s Problematic:” The Trauma Imposed by Routine Chapter 4: “Open Your Legs:” Time, Space, Routine and Obstetric Violence Chapter 5: “We Perpetuate the Patriarchy:” The Trauma Imposed by Societal Knowledge Chapter 6: “I Just Hated Him:” The Impact of Trauma on Women’s Relationships Chapter 7: “He Was So Supportive:” Using Power and Restructuring Obstetric Care Conclusion: Changing Knowledge