How were births managed, experienced, and ritualized from the Early Modern period to the present? This book explores the cultural history of childbirth, analyzing practices, beliefs, and medical interventions. It shows how birth was not only a private event but a deeply social and ritualized act. By combining historical sources with anthropological insights, the authors reveal shifting attitudes towards the female body, pain, and the role of midwives and physicians. This fascinating study provides a new perspective on the intersection of medicine, gender, and culture.