The Dignity of Labour?

Originally published in 1979, this study looks at the experience of childbearing from three viewpoints: first and foremost from that of the childbearing women; but in addition it considers the views and experiences of midwives and consultant obstetricians.It examines the proportion of induced labours and questions who is induced, when, where and why and how. Comparisons are then made between induced and non-induced labours of mothers’ experiences of labour and delivery and then of the babies conditions and the early relationships between the mothers and babies. Women’s views of their experiences, their attitudes to the information they were given, and their choice for treatment at further pregnancies are then examined.In the final chapter induction policies and practices are reviewed in the light of women’s reactions to their experiences. The implications of the findings are discussed in relation to other innovatory and interventionist procedures and in the context of the women’s movement.