Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
This edited volume explores the intersection of spirituality with childbirth from 1800 to the present day from a comparative perspective. It illustrates how over this time period in much of the world, traditional practices, home births, and midwives have been overshadowed and undermined by male dominated obstetrics, hospitalization, and ultimately the medicalization of the birthing process itself.
Synopsis
This interdisciplinary book examines the shifting meaning of spirituality and birth practices in the modern world in the context of biomedical advances as well as colonial incursions. It indicates that spirituality in the birth place has managed to reemerge in many parts of the world.