Men and Maternity

Since the development of modern medicine, men have become increasingly involved in childbearing as obstetricians and, more recently, as fathers. Childbearing has been revolutionized due, in no small part, to the involvement of men.Men and Maternityargues that the beneficial contribution of men has been taken for granted. Certain changes to childbearing practice have resulted, which, together with men's involvement, have been encouraged without any reference to evidence and without adequate opportunity for reflection. Considering the findings of recent research and wider literature, and using qualitative research with mothersMen and Maternitytraces the beginning of men's involvement in childbearing to practicing interventionist medicine. The author discusses the medicalization of childbirth due to the increased involvement of medical practitioners and highlights the risks to mother and child of unnecessary interventions. Additionally, the book examines the difficulties men experiencewith childbirth, giving particular attention to challenging situations such as fathers' grief. Analyzing the taken-for-granted assumptions about the beneficial contribution men make to childbearing, both as practitioners and as fathers,Men and Maternityasks whether there may also be disadvantages to men's involvement.

Rosemary Mander is Reader in Nursing Studies at the University of Edinburgh.