Pregnancy and Birth

Starred review from September 1, 2021

Goode (sociology, State Univ. of New York, Old Westbury) and Rothman (sociology, City Univ. of New York) provide a well-organized overview of the history of pregnancy and birth in the United States, with topics such as midwifery; doulas; physician care; natural childbirth; the experiences of Indigenous peoples and the LGBTQIA+ community, including transgender people; media representations; and perinatal health care costs. Data and primary documents include the Sheppard-Towner Act and the Black Maternal Health Momnibus. A chronology details the move from community-based care to professionalized medical-based care. Profiles highlight 22 individuals (Margaret Sanger, Virginia Apgar) and 18 organizations (La Leche League, Planned Parenthood). Ten signed essays share experiences of miscarriage, adoption, surrogacy, abuse, and more. It would have been beneficial to include an essay on abortion, though it is mentioned in the miscarriage discussion. Similar titles focus on the practical rather than broader pregnancy concerns. VERDICT A thoughtful look at issues confronting pregnant Americans. Will appeal to readers who work in think tanks, those involved with public health, and premed, nursing, midwife, and doula students.--Laurie Selwyn, formerly at Grayson Cty. Law Lib., Sherman, TX

Copyright 2021 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 8, 2021
This volume in ABC-CLIO's Contemporary World Issues series examines pregnancy and birth from a person-centered reproductive-justice perspective. The authors are sociologists with academic appointments who specialize in issues related to gender, pregnancy, and health. The book has seven chapters, the first of which covers background and history, including the development of the fetal patient and birthing practices. Chapter two looks at problems, controversies, and solutions. The authors consider important issues related to slavery, Indigenous health care, transgender birthing experiences, and the care of LGBTQ people during pregnancy and birth. They also examine the professionalization of caring and media representations of pregnancy and birth. A chapter on perspectives offers essays by women about their experiences with prenatal loss, adoption, domestic violence, and surrogacy. There are also articles about the role of the doula and the commercialization of pregnancy with gender-reveal and baby-shower events. A series of profiles follows with articles about people and organizations, including Virginia Apgar, Margaret Sanger, the American College of Nurse-Midwives, and La Leche League. The data and documents section provides statistics (birth and fertility rates, cesarean rates, midwifery workforce, and more), research study data, and documents. A chapter on resources offers books, articles, reports, media, and internet sources for further study. A chronology from 1847 to 2020 and a glossary conclude the book. This is a source that will interest those involved in public health, women's health, and health policy. Academic and health-sciences libraries will want to add it to their collections.

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