"From pre-classical to present times, this work describes childbirth practices as they have developed through the ages"--Provided by publisher.

Childbirth in primitive and ancient times -- The Middle Ages: an era of despair and persecution -- The sixteenth century: a Renaissance -- The seventeenth century: men and their instruments -- The eighteenth century: men and science -- The nineteenth century: men and disease -- Childbirth in early America -- Nineteenth-century America: the birth of obstetrics and gynecology -- Early twentieth-century America: the "midwife problem" and medicalized childbirth -- The second half of the twentieth century: technology-managed childbirth, by Edna Quinn -- The twenty-first century: technological childbirth challenged -- Conclusion: women in power.