Birthing Autonomy brings some balance to the difficult arguments that arise from debates about home births, and focuses on women's views and their experiences of planning home births. It provides an in-depth exploration of how women make decisions about home births and what aspects matter most to them. Comparing how differently the pros and cons of home births are constructed and contemplated by mothers and by the medical profession, the book looks at how current obstetric thinking and practices can disempower and harm women emotionally and spiritually as well as physically.

Written in an accessible style, this book is enlightening for student and practicing midwives and obstetricians, as well as researchers and students of nursing, medical sociology, health studies, gender studies, feminist practitioners and theorists. It will also be invaluable to expectant mothers who want to be more informed about the choices they are facing and the wider context within which their birth options are considered.

About the Author
Nadine Pilley Edwards has worked with AIMS since 1980. She is a part-time research associate at the University of Sheffield, and lectures and writes on maternity issues in the UK and overseas. She has written numerous articles and chapters on relationships between women and midwives, informed choice, safety and risk, and research methods.

Reviews

'If you've felt disempowered by the birthing profession in your choice to home birth, you'll no doubt find a great ally in this book' - The Mother

Book Information
ISBN 9780415354097
Author Nadine Edwards
Format Paperback
Page Count 316
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 580g