Van der Mark examines Dutch attitudes and practices surrounding birth from a sociohistorical point of view, explaining the importance of ideological consensus, the private nature of the Dutch family, the high regard for comfort and well being, and the professional development of midwives as trained and licensed practitioners.

Preface Introduction to the Dutch System of Home Birth and Midwifery by Eva Abraham-Van der Mark Historical Background The Guardians of Normal Birth: The Debate on the Standard and Status of the Midwife in the Netherlands around 1900 by Hilary Marland Dutch Obstetric Science: Emergence, Growth, and Present Situation by Anja Hiddinga Family Change and Continuity in the Netherlands: Birth and Childbed in Text and Art by Rineke van Daalen The Selection System and the Quality of Care Selection as the Basis of Obstetric Care in the Netherlands by Pieter E. Treffers How Safe are Dutch Home Births? by Simone E. Buitendijk The Impact of Medical-technological Developments on Midwifery in the Netherlands by Tjeerd Tymstra Midwives, Maternity Home Care Assistants and the Role of the State Dutch Midwifery, Past and Present: An Overview by Eva Abraham-Van der Mark Maternity Home Care Assistant: A Unique Occupation by Edwin van Teijlingen Illness versus Natural Process: Competing Paradigms in Great Britain and the Netherlands by L.H. Lumey Interview with Professor Gerrit-Jan Kloosterman, Obstetrician and Advocate of the Dutch Obstetric System by Rineke van Daalen and Reinie van Goor Going Dutch: Lessons for Americans from the Dutch Birth Experience by Barbara Katz Rothman Index