Maternalism to consumerism and beyond? Mothers and the politics of care in childbirth

Abstract

In this chapter, we consider shifts in how reproductive work and (white) motherhood are socially constructed. We examine debates in recent years about maternal care provision and ‘consumer’ choices, including those over homebirth. Attention to women’s human rights in childbirth has increased but has yet to influence mainstream Australian services. Some innovative exceptions include Birthing on Country movements in Australian indigenous communities and the Birth for HumanKind programme for socially disadvantaged mothers. Importantly, we draw on contemporary feminist theoretical developments to suggest basing policy and professional practice on recognition of the challenges of mothers’ lives, but without re-categorising women in maternalist terms.