Despite historically low maternal and infant mortality rates in the United States, labor continues to evoke fear among American women. Rather than embrace the natural childbirth methods promoted in the 1970s, most women welcome epidural anesthesia and even cesarean deliveries. In Deliver Me from Pain, Jacqueline H. Wolf asks how obstetric anesthesia, even when it historically posed serious risk to mothers and newborns, paradoxically came to assuage women's anxiety about giving birth."Like many of the women she describes, Wolf has delivered a beautiful product that is both painless and joyful to encounter."--American Historical Review"Wolf's unique focus on pain management brings a fresh perspective to the literature about childbirth and new understandings of this life-changing event in women's lives and histories."--Bulletin of the History of Medicine"It is perhaps Wolf's utter engagement with the material that is responsible for producing such a dynamic history."--Journal of the History of Biology"Much needed addition to the blossoming scholarly work on childbirth history."--Women's Review of Books"A fascinating overview of childbirth from the 1840s to the present day."--Medical History"An important study of the choices made by other generations. For those who care about and study birth, understanding how we got here and why is imperative in considering where we go from here."--Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health"I would recommend this book to health professionals who are committed to understanding and acknowledging that every woman experiences childbirth in an individual and unique manner."--Health and History