Customer Reviews

Brought to Bed: Childbearing in America, 1750-1950

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Judith Walzer Leavitt has proven herself to be a tour-de-force in the world of study of women's health throughout US history. This is one of the many books she has edited and contributed to, but I find it to be one of her best. Each article is a jewel offering a glimpse into a world not often revealed - women experiencing the changing attitudes of a society that often did not offer them the choices they deserved. From social childbirth in the colonial era to the twilight sleep of the 20th century, Leavitt has managed to collect articles that tell a story in the best historical tradition.

While the author makes good use of quotations and historical information, so much of each chapter is repeated that I would liken it to reading while banging ones head against a wall. If the intent of the author was that each chapter could stand alone, then it can be considered a resounding success. However, if the author meant it to be read as a full book, then barring a reader with horrible short-term memory, each chapter could have been condensed to roughly 8 pages.
I can see how this book is an invaluable resource to those who need citations for a paper/thesis concerning childbirth. The author has exhaustively researched historical records and has faithfully cited them, but to those wishing to read an interesting analysis of the historical change in American childbirth - beware. My suggestion is to read the introduction, the last chapter, the epilogue and any passages that are merely direct quotations. It does not speak very highly of the author that the most interesting parts of the book were in fact copied from the writings of others.

Thank goodness for today's painkillers!!! This book was well written, thoroughly researched, with plenty of data, graphs, pictures, and personal accounts going back to the 1700s. A fascinating book, both just to read and for research. It was very helpful with my thesis, and for an interesting read, if you are interested in history, this is a great choice. Kudos to the author for a well-done book!

Very thorough review of the history of childbirth from 1750-1950. I wish the author had continued the review until the present time (or at least until the 1980's when the book was original published.)I would venture to say that the change in childbirth from 1950 to the present is just as great as the change from 1750-1950. The author does a good job of not letting her own personal biases influence the telling of the story. She also is thorough without being so acsdemic that the book is unreadable. It helped me to view childbirth in a new way. I have been blessed to have delivered all of my children in the 21st century, with many options available and safety at it's highest. It's easy to forget how dangerous childbirth used to be, and how limited options were for most women (either because of lack of funds, or because there was only one midwife or doctor available in their geographical area.)