The study attempts to understand women's perceptions of birthing care and their practices, the role of culture, socio-economic factors, and household dynamics as they influence women and their family's health-seeking behaviour. The strength of the present work lies in its clear discussion of the various ways in which rural women tread between so many factors in attempting to make decisions that best suit them within their own limited resources. The book should assist health policy makers and planners to respond more sensitively to the constraints of health sector in rural Bangladesh.