Regional books of note for March: “Birthing the West,” by Jennifer J. Hill (Bison Books) Provided by Bison BooksBirthing the West Not much has been written about childbirth in the West. After all, “what tenure-seeking female would deign to address such an odiferously feminine topic?” asks author Jennifer J. Hill. In the male-dominated world of academia, “Reproduction did not represent a shrewd career choice.” Pity, because childbearing had a tremendous impact on westering Americans in the 18th and 19th centuries.