My mother had four children "caught" by a midwife. I was the first born in a hosptal with no doctor in attendance. She always said she should have had me with a midwife. Because of that story from my mother, I wanted to read about midwives. The book is great. What sold me is the fact that the reviews said it rated up there with "To Kill A Mockingbird". It is hard to believe that a man wrote it. He had so many insights that only a woman "should" know. I have recommended it highly to others. This book does not portray midwives in a bad light. It shows their compassion and love for their patients, as well as the baby. Something you do not always get from a doctor. (Fortunately, I was blessed to have a good OB-GYN.)