Mar. 13, 2010 - The Birth House by Ami McKay

This is a book that every woman should read in order to appreciate how far we have come. Set during a time when women were still unable to vote, women were ruled by their husbands, often having more children than they could handle due to limited birth control methods. Midwives did more than just help women deliver babies. The precursors of obstetricians, they provided advice and support for women throughout all situations - childbirth, illness, birth control, and other female issues. Women provided support to each other through church groups, socials, knitting clubs and other venues. The topics of marriage, love, sex, rape, abuse, children and healthcare are all discussed in these circles. 

In this book, first Miss B. and then Dora, support the women of Scot's Bay through the trials and tribulations of everyday life. When a new doctor comes to the area to set up a hospital where women can have painless childbirth, the townspeople are divided. The notion of a sterile, pain-free environment was certainly appealing. In fact, "twilight sleep" or obstetric anasthesia, as mentioned in the novel, was first introduced in the United States in 1914 to help women have painless birthing experiences. However, the expense of the procedure and the ineptness of Dr. Howard, contribute to the departure of the doctor and the closing of the hospital.

Dora grows from a young wife to a widow to a woman who knows what she wants and needs as she helps the women of Scot's Bay, finding her own happiness in the support of her community.

The author, Ami McKay, actually lives in an old birth house in The Bay of Fundy with her husband and two sons. Her second novel, The Virgin Cure, inspired by the work of her great-great grandmother, a doctor in 19th century New York specializing in women's and children's health, is to be released in the fall of 2010. Based on my enjoyment of her first book, I can't wait!