Deliver Me from Pain: Anesthesia and Birth in America

Contents

c o n t e n t s Acknowledgments ix introduction “Terrible Torture” or “The Nicest Sensation I’ve Ever Had”? Conflicting Perceptions of Labor in U.S. History 1 1 Ether and Chloroform: The Question of Necessity, 1840s through 1890s 13 2 Twilight Sleep: The Question of Professional Respect, 1890s through 1930s 44 3 Developing the Obstetric Anesthesia Arsenal: The Question of Safety, 1900 through 1960s 73 4 Giving Birth to the Baby Boomers: The Question of Convenience, 1940s through 1960s 105 5 Natural Childbirth and Birth Reform: The Question of Authority, 1950s through 1980s 136 6 Epidural Anesthesia and Cesarean Section: The Question of Choice, 1970s to the Present 168 Glossary of Medical Terminology 197 Notes 205 Index 267 This page intentionally left blank ...