Main description:

Intrapartum care has undergone profound changes over the past 50 years. This book examines these changes and their intersection in midwifery practice, in particular their impact on the role of the midwife during labour and birth. Addressing a wide range of topics surrounding normal birth, this unique and diverse book provides an up-to-date, holistic overview of current knowledge, research and practice. The contributions from experts in the field include discussion of the evolution of intrapartum care and debates about childbirth education, as well as looking at birth environments, labour rhythms, working with pain, complementary therapies and labour and sexuality. It is an invaluable guide for all midwives. Evidence-based, bringing you fully up-to-date with the latest research Comprehensive and holistic examination of normal birth practice, outlining the current state of knowledge and skills Written by key experts coming together for the first time

Contents:

Contributors. Introduction (Denis Walsh). Chapter 1 Evolution of Current Systems of Intrapartum Care (Denis Walsh). Chapter 2 Debates about Knowledge and Intrapartum Care (Soo Downe). Chapter 3 Childbirth Education: Politics, Equality and Relevance (Mary Nolan). Chapter 4 Birth Environment (Denis Walsh). Chapter 5 Labour Rhythms (Denis Walsh). Chapter 6 Evidence for Neonatal Transition and the First Hour of Life (Judith Mercer and Debra Erikson-Owens). Chapter 7 Midwifery Presence: Philosophy, Science and Art (Holly Powell Kennedy, Tricia Anderson and Nicky Leap). Chapter 8 Skills for Working with (the Woman in) Pain (Rosemary Mander). Chapter 9 Complementary Therapies in Labour: A Woman-Centred Approach (Denise Tiran). Chapter 10 Midwifery Skills for Normalising Unusual Labours (Verena Schmid and Soo Downe). Chapter 11 Psychology and Labour Experience: Birth as a Peak Experience (Gill Thompson). Chapter 12 Sexuality in Labour and Birth: An Intimate Perspective (Sarah Buckley). Chapter 13 Spirituality and Labour Care (Jenny Hall). Chapter 14 How Midwives Should Organise to Provide Intrapartum Care (Chris McCourt). Chapter 15 Feminisms and Intrapartum Care (Mary Stewart). Chapter 16 Towards Salutogenic Birth in the 21stCentury (Soo Downe). Index.