A Social History of Maternity and Childbirth

Tania McIntosh is Lecturer in Midwifery at the University of Nottingham, UK. Initially trained as an historian, Dr. McIntosh worked as a tutor in History at the University of Sheffield, until 2000 when she commenced midwifery training at the same university. Since then she has worked as a clinical midwife in Sheffield and at the City Hospital Nottingham. In 2009 she was one of the founders of De Partu, a national interdisciplinary research group for the history of midwifery and birth.

Introduction 1. Historiography and Comparisons: Introduction, Historiography of Midwifery, The Sociological Context of Maternity History, The International Context, Conclusion 2. 1902-1914: Introduction, Informing Ideologies? Eugenics and Physical, Deterioration, Delivering maternity care in 1902, Birth and death, Conclusion 3. 1915-1939: Introduction, Maternal mortality, Changing patterns of care, A state maternity service?, Hospital birth, Midwives, Conclusion 4. 1940-1960: Introduction, The Golden Age of District Midwifery?, GPs and Maternity Care, Reports and Arguments, Providing Analgesia 5. 1961-1980: Introduction, Scientific Birth, The Place of Birth, What Did Women Want?, The Response of the Service, Conclusion 6. 1981-2002: Introduction, Demonstrating for Change, Changing Childbirth, Research and Education, Obstetrics Triumphant? Conclusion Appendix 1: Main Government Legislation Relevant to Maternity Care Appendix 2: National Reports Relevant to Maternity Care