] The switch from traditional midwives to"male midwives" is one of the interesting themes of this chapter.

Took the words out of my mouth:)

Keeping the discussion in the context of the time we are discussing, I found the idea that "their voice [the man midwives]of authority could be used to approve or disapprove much that a woman wanted to do-or avoid doing." An intersting idea. As Vickery says the man midwife could be a useful ally to his patients. Personally I like the idea of "our" ladies shunning the old customs and doing what they feel is right and backing up their arguments with "the Doctor says so!".