The evidence surrounding the skills and approaches to support good birth has grown exponentially over the last two decades, but so too have the obstacles facing women and midwives who strive to achieve good birth. This new book critically explores the complex issues surrounding contemporary childbirth practices in a climate which is ever more medicalised amidst greater insecurity at broad social and political levels. The authors offer a rigorous, and thought-provoking, analysis of current clinical, managerial and policy-making environments, and how they have prevented sustaining the kind of progress we need. The Politics of Maternity explores the most hopeful developments such as the abundant evidence for one-to-one care for women, and sets these accounts against the background of changes in health service organisation and provision that block these approaches from becoming an everyday occurrence for women giving birth. The book sets out the case for renewed attention to the politics of childbirth and what this politics must entail if we are to give birth back to women. Designed to help professionals cope with the transition from education to the reality of the system within which they learn and practise, this inspiring book will help to assist them to function and care effectively in a changing health care environment.

Product Description: What is the reality of being a midwife at the beginning of the twenty-first century? What is it like to help and support women throughout pregnancy and childbirth and into motherhood? What roles can midwives play in society? Becoming a Midwife explores what it is to be a midwife, looking at the factors that make midwifery such a special profession, as well as some of the challenges...read more

This book considers the broad range of support given to mothers including social, psychological and clinical. It also looks at the provision of this service and how different models have been set up internationally to fulfill this important function. It brings together the latest research findings, which examine the nature of care that is provided and consider what constitutes effective and efficient support. This aspect of care is considered a crucial part of the increasing and expanding role of the midwife. The ability of midwives to provide ongoing support throughout childbearing is one of the features of midwifery care which distinguishes it from other care providers. This is a feature which is common to the resurgence of midwifery throughout the world and therefore this text will have international appeal.

Product Description: This book critically analyzes the place of caesarean in childbearing at the beginning of the twenty first century. It questions the changes that are taking place in childbirth and, in particular, the effects and implications of an increase in caesarean births...read more

Product Description: This new edition of a groundbreaking work reflects important developments in the general understanding of, and research into, loss and death. Providing a wealth of information for both experienced and inexperienced midwives, the book covers topics including: perinatal and neonatal loss miscarriage and termination for foetal abnormality death of a mother in third world and first world settings difficulties encountered during future childbearing...read more

Product Description: Since the development of modern medicine, men have become increasingly involved in childbearing as obstetricians and, more recently, as fathers. This book argues that the beneficial contribution of men has been taken for granted. Certain changes to childbearing practice have resulted, which, together with men's involvement, have been encouraged without any reference to evidence and without adequate opportunity for reflection...read more

Product Description: Changes in the field of midwifery are of concern to those within the health care system, the academic world and those whose lives are touched by midwifery care. This text reflects on the current situation and questions whether it is the most appropriate way of providing care for the childbearing woman...read more

Product Description: This work aims to help midwives to understand and select the most appropriate ways to help mothers to cope with the pain inherent in childbearing. It should also be relevant for other health care providers and childbirth educators...read more (view table of contents, read Amazon.com's description)

Product Description: This monograph deals with the grief experienced by mothers when relinquishing a baby for adoption. It offers guidelines in their care.