Evidence and Skills for Normal Labour and Birth: A Guide for Midwives

Evidence-based care is a well-established principle in healthcare, but intervention rates in childbirth continue to rise rapidly. This new edition of Evidence and Skills for Normal Labour and Birth emphasizes the importance of translating evidence into skilful practice and provides up-to-date and relevant information to help students, practicing midwives, and doulas keep abreast of the evidence surrounding normal birth and ensure their practice takes full advantage of it.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Evidence-based care is a fundamental principle in modern healthcare, emphasizing the promotion of effective care without unnecessary reliance on technologies and drugs. Despite this emphasis, intervention rates in childbirth have been rapidly rising. In response, this new edition of Evidence and Skills for Normal Labour and Birth emphasizes the crucial translation of evidence into skillful practice. It provides an updated overview of what works best for normal birth, despite some aspects that may still be overlooked or ignored by some maternity care professionals. The textbook spans from the decision about where to give birth to the various phases of labor, all the way to the immediate post-birth period. It systematically presents research and other evidence sources that endorse a low-intervention approach, providing a comprehensive guide for practitioners.

The textbook has been expanded with a new chapter on optimizing labor and birth physiology for women deemed to be "high risk." It highlights where the evidence is compelling and discusses its application where women may question its relevance or where the practitioner's expertise leads them to challenge it. The text also provides background and context before discussing the research to date, fostering a deeper understanding of the topic.

Throughout the textbook, questions for reflection, skills sections, and practice recommendations are generated from the evidence, aiding students, practicing midwives, and doulas in staying abreast of the latest evidence surrounding normal birth and ensuring their practice aligns with it.

Evidence and Skills for Normal Labour and Birth critically examines the institutionalized, scientifically managed birth model and advocates for a more humane midwifery-led approach. It is packed with up-to-date and relevant information, making it an invaluable resource for all students, practicing midwives, and doulas who aim to provide optimal care for women during childbirth. By embracing evidence-based practices and promoting a humanistic approach, we can strive for safer, more compassionate, and fulfilling birth experiences for both mothers and babies.

Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138232822
Edition number: 3 New edition