What is a midwife? What does a midwife do? What is a home birth? How does a home birth compare to a hospital birth? Is one more dangerous than the other? Compare and contrast the two birthing options. Why does home birth come under fire in this novel? Who chooses home birth? Should home birth be made illegal?

Who is Sibyl Danforth? What is Sibyl's profession? Why did Sibyl begin this profession? How does Sibyl feel about this profession? How does Sibyl's background make her the perfect person for this profession? Did Sibyl's youth lead her to make the choice to enter this profession? Why or why not?

Who is Connie Danforth? Why is she writing this book? What is Connie hoping to tell the world with this narration? Does Connie believe her mother did anything wrong the night Charlotte Bedford died? Why or...