Midwifery and Childbirth in America

The author describes the disparate backgrounds, training, and roles of certified nurse-midwives and lay or direct entry midwives, and explains the contributions of both groups. Both kinds of midwives currently face challenges arising from within the profession and from massive, rapid changes in the health care system. Rooks believes that maternity care and childbirth in America can, and should, be better than it is today, and offers steps to take in that direction.