Title
Midwives and Mothers: The Medicalization of Childbirth on a Guatemalan Plantation (Louann Atkins Temple Women & Culture (Numbere,New
Delivery time: 8-12 business days (International)
The World Health Organization is currently promoting a policy of replacing traditional or lay midwives in countries around the world. As part of an effort to record the knowledge of local midwives before it is lost, Midwives and Mothers explores birth, illness, death, and survival on a Guatemalan sugar and coffee plantation, or finca, through the lives of two local midwives, Doa Maria and her daughter Doa Siriaca, and the women they have served over a fortyyear period.By comparing the practices and beliefs of the mother and daughter, Sheila Cosminsky shows the dynamics of the medicalization process and the contestation between the midwives and biomedical personnel, as the latter try to impose their system as the authoritative one. She discusses how the midwives syncretize, integrate, or reject elements from Mayan, Spanish, and biomedical systems. The midwives story becomes a lens for understanding the impact of medicalization on peoples lives and the ways in which womens bodies have become contested terrain between traditional and contemporary medical practices. Cosminsky also makes recommendations for how ethnoobstetric and biomedical systems may be accommodated, articulated, or integrated. Finally, she places the changes in the birthing system in the larger context of changes in the plantation system, including the elimination of coffee growing, which has made women, traditionally the primary harvesters of coffee beans, more economically dependent on men.
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We ship your order within 2–3 business days for USA deliveries and 5–8 business days for international shipments. Once your package has been dispatched from our warehouse, you'll receive an email confirmation with a tracking number, allowing you to track the status of your delivery.
Returns
To facilitate a smooth return process, a Return Authorization (RA) Number is required for all returns. Returns without a valid RA number will be declined and may incur additional fees. You can request an RA number within 15 days of the original delivery date. For more details, please refer to our Return & Refund Policy page.
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Warranty
We provide a 2-year limited warranty, from the date of purchase for all our products.
If you believe you have received a defective product, or are experiencing any problems with your product, please contact us.
This warranty strictly does not cover damages that arose from negligence, misuse, wear and tear, or not in accordance with product instructions (dropping the product, etc.).
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the main focus of 'Midwives and Mothers'? A: 'Midwives and Mothers' examines the medicalization of childbirth on a Guatemalan plantation through the experiences of two local midwives, Doña Maria and Doña Siriaca, over a forty-year period.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The book is authored by Sheila Cosminsky, who explores cultural dynamics and the impact of medicalization on traditional midwifery.
- Q: What topics does the book cover? A: The book covers topics such as birth, illness, death, survival, and the dynamics between traditional midwives and biomedical personnel in Guatemala.
- Q: When was 'Midwives and Mothers' published? A: 'Midwives and Mothers' was published on December 6, 2016.
- Q: What is the format of this book? A: The book is available in paperback format, making it accessible for reading and reference.
- Q: How many pages does 'Midwives and Mothers' have? A: 'Midwives and Mothers' consists of 318 pages.
- Q: What edition of the book is available? A: The book is available in its first edition.
- Q: Is the book suitable for those interested in cultural studies? A: Yes, the book is suitable for readers interested in cultural studies, medical anthropology, and women's studies, particularly in the context of midwifery and childbirth.
- Q: Can this book provide insights into the history of childbirth practices in Guatemala? A: Yes, it provides valuable insights into the historical and cultural practices of childbirth and the changing dynamics due to medicalization in Guatemala.
- Q: Does the book make recommendations for integrating traditional and biomedical practices? A: Yes, Sheila Cosminsky discusses how ethno-obstetric and biomedical systems may be accommodated and integrated.