Towards The Humanisation Of Birth: A Study Of Epidural Analgesia And Hospital Birth Culture
by Elizabeth Newnham /
2018 / English / PDF
2.7 MB Download
This book examines the future of birthing practices, particularly
by focusing on epidural analgesia in childbirth. It describes
historical and cultural trajectories that have shaped the way in
which birth is understood in Western, developed nations. In
setting out the nature of epidural history, knowledge and
practice, the book delves into related birth practices within the
hospital setting. By critically examining these practices, which
are embedded in a scientific discourse that rationalises and
relies upon technology use, the authors argue that epidural
analgesia has been positioned as a safe technology in
contemporary maternity culture, despite it carrying particular
risks. In examining alternative research the book proposes that
increasing epidural rates are not only due to greater pain relief
requirements or access but are influenced by technocratic values
and a fragmented maternity system. The authors outline the way in
which this epidural discourse influences how information is
presented to women and how this affects their choices around the
use of pain relief in labour.
This book examines the future of birthing practices, particularly
by focusing on epidural analgesia in childbirth. It describes
historical and cultural trajectories that have shaped the way in
which birth is understood in Western, developed nations. In
setting out the nature of epidural history, knowledge and
practice, the book delves into related birth practices within the
hospital setting. By critically examining these practices, which
are embedded in a scientific discourse that rationalises and
relies upon technology use, the authors argue that epidural
analgesia has been positioned as a safe technology in
contemporary maternity culture, despite it carrying particular
risks. In examining alternative research the book proposes that
increasing epidural rates are not only due to greater pain relief
requirements or access but are influenced by technocratic values
and a fragmented maternity system. The authors outline the way in
which this epidural discourse influences how information is
presented to women and how this affects their choices around the
use of pain relief in labour.
