A history of midwifery in the United States : - the midwife said fear not

Written by two of the profession's most prominent midwifery leaders, this authoritative history of midwifery in the United States, from the 1600s to the present, is distinguished by its vast breadth and depth. The book spans the historical evolution of midwives as respected, autonomous health care workers and midwifery as a profession, and considers the strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities for this discipline as enduring motifs throughout the text. It surveys the roots of midwifery, the beginnings of professional practice, the founding of educational institutions and professional organizations, and entry pathways into the profession. Woven throughout the text are such themes as the close link between midwives and the communities in which they live, their view of pregnancy and birth as normal life events, their efforts to promote health and prevent illness, and their dedication to serving women wherever they may be and in whatever health condition and circumstances they may be in.The text examines the threats to midwifery past and present, such as the increasing medicalization of childbearing care, midwifery's lack of a common identity based on education and practice standards, the inconsistencies in its legal recognition as a profession, and reimbursement issues for midwifery practice. Illustrations and historical photos depict the many facets of midwifery, and engaging stories provide cultural and spiritual context. This is a "must-have" for all midwives, historians, professional and educational institutions, and all those who share a passion for the history of midwifery and women. The early voices of midwives -- Silencing the early voices of midwives (1600s-1800s) -- Silencing the early voices of midwives (late 1800s-early 1900s) -- Silencing the early voices of midwives (late 1910s-mid-1940s) -- Nursing roots -- The nurse-midwife starts practicing (1920s-1964) -- Early education for nurse-midwives (1920s-1964) -- Resurgence of community midwives -- Early education pathways for community and lay midwives (1970s-1980s) -- The American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) 1955-2010 -- National Association of Certified Professional Midwives (NACPM) 2000 -- Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA) 1982-2000 -- Nurse-midwifery practice (1956-1980s) -- Nurse-midwifery education (1955-1980s) -- Direct entry midwifery education -- Credentialing of midwives -- Federal legislation affecting midwifery practice -- Midwives with women and childbearing families -- Midwives (CNMs) with physicians -- Midwives (CNMs) with nurses and nursing -- Midwives with midwives : United States -- Midwives with midwives : international.