Sheila C. Hunt – författare

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.

There is growing recognition in the field of midwifery that there is no single 'best' system of maternity care for all women, and that not only do individual women have specific needs, but certain groups of women have special needs. The book examines the needs of these groups while continuing to treat the women as individuals.

Applying sociological theories to midwifery practice, this clear and accessible book offers a broad review of relevant social policies and their philosophy and effects especially on child-bearing women, as well as exploring the social meaning of concepts such as motherhood, fatherhood, professionalisation and the role of the state.