Trials of Labour: The Re-Emergence of Midwifery

"Trials of Labour" is a detailed study of the available social science literature on childbirth and midwifery. Brian Burtch highlights the difficulties associated with the present lack of regulation of midwifery, pointing to ways of reducing the dangers through establishing guidelines for domiciliary midwifery. Burtch examines the transformation of the role of the midwife, particularly the international resurgence of the midwifery movement over the past 20 years. He also looks at contemporary midwifery practice in Canada and the role of the state in shaping and defining that practice. Burtch deals specifically with the qualifications of midwives and the care given by them both in and out of hospital and discusses their legal status, the legacy of competition between nurses and midwives, and the impact of legal actions concerning midwifery practice. Today health care policy analysts are questioning whether midwifery can offer a more holistic, safe, and less costly manner of supervising child-birth in Canada. At present, midwifery has legal status in only two provinces: Ontario and Alberta. Government policy-makers, health care professionals, and the women's community should find that this book provides critically needed information.