Men and Maternity Book

Probably closer to a 3.5/3.75 than a true full 4 stars. An intriguing look at the (increasing) role of men/masculinities and patriarchy in the realms of pregnancy, maternity, the labour room, and early parenthood. Mander addresses the men in the birthing process (namely, the father and the male practitioner) as well as some additional elements (i.e. the role of men in relinquishments, domestic violence). The analysis is nicely complemented by what sometimes feels like a literature review, and although I disagree with the author's implications in certain cases (i.e. while I agree that many aspects of "normal" pregnancy seem to becoming pathologised, I don't see medicalization as an entirely problematic construct), this feels like a fascinating overview of a topic that has not been touched upon as often as one might think. I do also feel, however, that there was a distinct lack of discussion of pregnancies that do present with complications.