Towards the Humanisation of Birth - A study of epidural analgesia and hospital birth culture (Hardcover, 1st ed. 2018)

This book examines the future of birthing practices, particularly by focusing on epidural analgesia in childbirth. It describes historical and cultural trajectories that have shaped the way in which birth is understood in Western, developed nations. In setting out the nature of epidural history, knowledge and practice, the book delves into related birth practices within the hospital setting. By critically examining these practices, which are embedded in a scientific discourse that rationalises and relies upon technology use, the authors argue that epidural analgesia has been positioned as a safe technology in contemporary maternity culture, despite it carrying particular risks. In examining alternative research the book proposes that increasing epidural rates are not only due to greater pain relief requirements or access but are influenced by technocratic values and a fragmented maternity system. The authors outline the way in which this epidural discourse influences how information is presented to women and how this affects their choices around the use of pain relief in labour.

General

Imprint:	Springer International Publishing AG
Country of origin:	Switzerland
Release date:	February 2018
First published:	2018
Authors:	Elizabeth Newnham • Lois McKellar • Jan Pincombe
Dimensions:	210 x 148 x 23mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Hardcover
Pages:	266
Edition:	1st ed. 2018
ISBN-13:	978-3-319-69961-5
Categories:	Books > Medicine > General issues > General Books > Medicine > Clinical & internal medicine > Gynaecology & obstetrics > Materno-fetal medicine Books > Science & Mathematics > Biology, life sciences > Human biology & related topics > Medical anthropology Books > Social sciences > Sociology, social studies > Gender studies > Women's studies > General Books > Social sciences > Sociology, social studies > Anthropology > Social & cultural anthropology > General Promotions
LSN:	3-319-69961-X
Barcode:	9783319699615

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