Birth Story

Timewatch • Season 16 • Episode 5

About this episode

For centuries babies were born at home, their mothers assisted through the birth by other women. But 50 years ago, childbirth was taken out of the home and into hospitals. The transition was made in the name of safety but, as tonight's programme reveals, the emphasis on personal care and humanity was lost in the process. Mothers, midwives, and obstetricians reflect on the effect this has had on the traditional relationship between mother and midwife.