What is the reality of being a midwife at the beginning of the twenty-first century? What is it like to help & support women throughout pregnancy & childbirth & into motherhood? What roles can midwives play in society? Becoming a Midwife" explores what it is to be a midwife looking at the factors that make midwifery such a special profession as well as some of the challenges. The chapters cover a variety of settings & several different stages in a womans pregnancy. Each one is narrated by a midwife who introduces their own theme recounts a vignette that throws light on their understanding of midwifery & reasons for becoming a midwife & any subsequent career moves. Drawing together these insights the editors show what it means to be a midwife today. Suitable for those contemplating a career in midwifery & providing an opportunity for reflection for more experienced midwives this thought-provoking book is an invaluable contribution to midwifery."