In this social history of the development of modern gynecology in the mid-19th century, McGregor (history, women's studies, U. of Illinois-Springfield) reflects the attitudes and practices of the day through the controversial career of J. Marion Sims, the father of gynecology. Includes illustrations of early medical practitioners and establishments (in particular, New York's Woman's Hospital). Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

An account of the work, writings and career of Louise Bourgeois, who had a flourishing midwifery practice at the French royal court at the beginning of the seventeenth century. Bourgeois was notable as a successful and articulate woman practitioner and author. Perkins, who is an expert on French literature, has integrated into her account recent work of social historians on medicine: on the medical market place, on patient-doctor relations, especially between women and medical practitioners, and on the social construction of the body.

Drawn from sixteenth to nineteenth century records to create an account of the midwife's status, duties, and skills, the author goes on to describe the development in eighteenth-century England and America of new techniques in obstetrics that led more and more to doctors to practice as regular accoucheurs. Before this except in cases when a surgeon might be summoned, childbearing was strictly a woman's concern. The author also explores the paradox of men taking the place of midwives among the upper and middle classes in an age that placed great importance on feminine modesty.

An expanded and updated new edition of Health Promotion in Midwifery, this book explores the principles of health promotion within the practical context of midwifery.

This text presents a compilation of current practices that includes evidence-based, traditional, and empiric care from a wide variety of sources. Each Guideline moves through problem identification and treatment using a standardized format for day-to-day clinical practice with diverse populations. The Guidelines are currently in use by many practices as a way of meeting the American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM) recommendations, and are acceptable for collaborative practice with physician colleagues.