1st Edition

Men and Maternity

By Rosemary Mander Copyright 2004
    216 Pages
    by Routledge

    216 Pages
    by Routledge

    Since the development of modern medicine, men have become increasingly involved in childbearing as obstetricians and, more recently, as fathers. This book argues that the beneficial contribution of men has been taken for granted. Certain changes to childbearing practice have resulted, which, together with men's involvement, have been encouraged without any reference to evidence and without adequate opportunity for reflection.

    Considering the findings of recent research and wider literature, and using qualitative research with mothers the text examines:

    · how men became increasingly involved in childbearing
    · the medicalisation of childbirth
    · the difficulties men experience with childbirth as fathers
    · challenging situations, such as fathers' grief
    · the taken-for-granted assumptions that men’s increased contribution to childbearing is beneficial

    This text will be of great interest to academics and postgraduate students of midwifery, obstetrics, medicine and health studies, as well as practising midwives and obstetricians, health visitors, childbirth educators and labor and delivery room nurses.

    Introduction 1. Cultures and Times 2. The Midwife and Medical Men 3. Fathers and Fatherhood 4. The Labour and the Birth 5. Becoming a Father After the Birth 6. Childbearing and Domestic Violence 7. Men and Loss in Childbearing 8. How to Help - The Midwife's Role 9. Conclusion

    Biography

    Rosemary Mander