A Social History of Maternity and Childbirth Key Themes in Maternity Care

'This social history of maternity care in the century following the 1902 Midwives Act, or as McIntosh says "stories of great men and angry women", is elegantly presented, accessible and very readable. The wealth of her research, collection of oral history and economy of expression make this book not only a "must have" for all students of healthcare, medicine and social studies but a lesson in researching and writing histories.' - Julia Allison, author of Delivered at Home and former General Secretary of The Royal College of Midwives. 'This excellent book is a very welcome addition to the literature. It fills a significant gap in our understanding of twentieth century maternity care, which is timely for current debates. The author, both a midwife and a historian, draws on her detailed documentary and oral history research to create a nuanced social history that is both scholarly and also highly readable. Never afraid to be controversial and challenge the accepted view, the author weaves together the personal and the public to provide new insights into the perspectives of mothers, midwives and doctors and how these influenced the complex changes that occurred over this period' - Billie Hunter, RCM Chair of Midwifery at Cardiff University, UK.