Young Dora Rare befriends Marie Babineau, the local midwife, who wants Dora as her successor. After initial reluctance and intensive training, Dora is left the practice on the eve of her marriage to Archer Bigelow. When Dr. Gilbert Thomas arrives with the promise of fast, painless childbirth, Dora is determined, despite fierce opposition, to protect the birthing traditions and women's wisdom that have been passed down to her.