Caregivers' edition
ISBN: 978 1 906619 11 4
Paperback, 156 x 256 mm
RRP: £33.00
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This is the long-awaited 2nd edition, with full notes and references.
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Optimal Birth: What, Why & How:
A reflective, narrative approach, based on research evidence
Forewords by Rebecca Wright and Prof Soo Downe (UCLAN)
A book for midwives
particularly, but also other caregivers too - i.e. doulas, obstetricians,
maternity care assistants - indeed anyone whose work involves looking after
pregnant women, who is interested in making things as safe and as happy as
possible for all parties concerned, including you! This second edition is much
bigger than the first edition and includes full academic references, notes on
research (particularly when this is inconclusive), many more birth stories (a
large number of which are different from those included in other Fresh Heart
books), reflective questions (which are ideal for use on courses, e.g. in
seminars) and relevant information. The structure of the book allows for a
defining of terms (What), an exploration of reasons why minimal intervention is
in fact optimal for the vast majority of women (Why) and contemplations on key
issues in maternity care (How) - such as how the mother-midwife relationship can
have an impact on outcomes, what control or lack of control means for both
caregivers and labouring women and what childbirth means in broader terms, in
the context of a woman's life.
In summary, this book includes:
- 684 pages of thought-provoking ideas, photos, information and guidelines
- Reflections on the nature of optimality for all women
- A look at the role of the caesarean and rising rates
- Reflections on antenatal, intrapartum and postpartum care
- 8 good reasons to support women who opt to give birth physiologically, which is
seen as the best option for optimality in healthy women
- Guidance for supporting women giving birth whether they choose to give birth at
home, at a birth centre or in hospital
- Tips for supporting water births, home births and breastfeeding
- 100 birthframes (accounts about births or relevant commentary) to illustrate
points or provide insight into certain people's worlds
- Reflective questions to promote thought and discussion
- A week-by week guide to pregnancy for use with pregnant women
- 180 greyscale photographs
Comments from a few professionals on the 1st edition:
"I have read the book from cover to cover. I must say that I
was very impressed with the contents."
A midwife midwife
"I bought this book as both a midwife and a very sceptical first-time mum-to-be.
After reading it, I feel quite empowered and am keen to give all the suggestions
for optimal birth a try. I have already informed my caregivers (to be!) of what
to expect. Thank you."
A
midwife and mum-to-be
"This book reaffirms my professional and
personal experiences. Thank you so much for sending me a copy."
Senior Lecturer in Midwifery at a British University
"I thought I would peruse the book prior to a session to 3rd yr students on
control. I must admit I was easily captivated. I found the narrative style of
the book easy to read and the stories compelling, in fact I found it difficult
to put down. This is a useful book for all midwives and students..."
Principal Lecturer in Midwifery, British University
"I think the content is very moving and insightful. I think your strategy of
publishing in this area is very useful in moving the normal/optimal birth agenda
forward. All the very best with your work for now and the future."
Professor at another UK University and Director of a Midwifery Research Group
"I have read the whole book and am impressed. The content is practical, well
organised and the overall impression is of a very personal, warm, respectful and
humane approach of a very complex, highly personal and sometimes difficult
subject."
Midwife and Project Manager for Clinical Quality & Public Health
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