Summary

Since the development of modern medicine, men have become increasingly involved in childbearing as obstetricians and, more recently, as fathers. This book argues that the beneficial contribution of men has been taken for granted. Certain changes to childbearing practice have resulted, which, together with men's involvement, have been encouraged without any reference to evidence and without adequate opportunity for reflection.

Considering the findings of recent research and wider literature, and using qualitative research with mothers the text examines:

· how men became increasingly involved in childbearing
· the medicalisation of childbirth
· the difficulties men experience with childbirth as fathers
· challenging situations, such as fathers' grief
· the taken-for-granted assumptions that men's increased contribution to childbearing is beneficial

This text will be of great interest to academics and postgraduate students of midwifery, obstetrics, medicine and health studies, as well as practising midwives and obstetricians, health visitors, childbirth educators and labor and delivery room nurses.