During the early 20th century maternal and child welfare became a national issue for the first time. Originally published in 1980, this book asks why child and maternal welfare policy took the particular form that it did during the Edwardian and inter-war years and in doing so brings together themes relating to women and social policy.

List of Tables and Figures. A Note on References. Preface. Introduction. Part I: The Problem of Child and Maternal Welfare 1. The Perceptions of Care-givers and Clients Part II: Saving the Infants 2. 'The Ignorance and Fecklessness of Mothers' 3. Educating the Mothers Part III: Saving the Mothers 4. The Medicalisation of Childbirth: Hospitalisation 5. The Medicalisation of Childbirth: Domiciliary Practice Part IV: Women's Demands 6. Economic Assistance 7. Birth Control. Conclusion. Appendix. Index.