79-364 From Midwife to Obstetrician: The Transformation of Modern Childbirth

6 units, Carnegie Mellon University

Athome births, epidurals, Csections womens experiences with childbirth have varied widely over time. Many of these differing experiences stem from societal developments that first occurred in Europe during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Focusing specifically on England and the United States, we will identify the factors e.g., human agents, ideologies, etc. that influenced major changes in the childbirth process and examine how these changes affected mothers and childbirth practitioners of the time. Additionally, we will consider what implications this historical study holds for interpreting contemporary debates surrounding womens health issues, including but not limited to childbirth. Throughout this course, we make liberal use of primary sources to develop arguments about the largescale changes that occurred between 1600 and the present. Through assigned readings, class discussions, and diverse course assignments, students will develop an informed perspective on the transformations of childbirth.

Prerequisites: none listed

Courseweave needs JavaScript to show sections, workloads and planning tools.