Includes bibliographical references (pages [205]-265) and index.
Contents
"Terrible torture" or "the nicest sensation I've ever had"? : conflicting perceptions of labor in U.S. history -- Ether and chloroform : the question of necessity, 1840s through 1890s -- Twilight sleep : the question of professional respect, 1890s through 1930s -- Developing the obstetric anesthesia arsenal : the question of safety, 1900 through 1960s -- Giving birth to the baby boomers : the question of convenience, 1940s through 1960s -- Natural childbirth and birth reform : the question of authority, 1950s through 1980s -- Epidural anesthesia and cesarean section : the question of choice, 1970s to the present.