Medicalisation and Maternal Subjectivities in the Spaces of Birth

This book investigates the ways in which the physical and symbolic terrains of birth sites interact with the processes of birth and its management. It explores how particular societal beliefs around science and technology, nature, reproduction and gender roles are expressed, established and reproduced in the two maternity clinics and at home births in a provincial town of central Greece. The effects of this interaction of social practices with space on the experience of childbirth and women's birthing and maternal subjectivities form the main subject of the research project. Further, by exploring recent trends for change towards the de-medicalisation of maternity services, the study aims to contribute to the definition of new places and models of birth care that can support women's initiatives and autonomy at birth. The interaction of social processes with spatial conditions is also explored in relation to breastfeeding, the first stage of mothering after the baby's birth.