Description
Book SynopsisSupporting a Physiologic Approach to Pregnancy and Birth: A Practical Guide provides an overview of current evidence and a range of practical suggestions to promote physiologic birth within the United States healthcare system. Presenting the latest evidence available on practical approaches and minimal interventions, this book looks into clinic exam rooms and hospital labor units to investigate the possibilities for improving the pregnancy and labor experience. Contributors discuss recent research and other published information and present a range of ideas, tools, and solutions for maternity care clinicians, including midwives, nurses, physicians, and other members of the perinatal team.
An invaluable resource,
Supporting a Physiologic Approach to Pregnancy and Birth is a must-have practical guide for those involved in all aspects of pregnancy and birth.
Trade Review“If you need a guidebook or step-by-step guide for transforming any practice to a more more physiologic approach, this is the first book you need to read. Supporting a Physiologic Approach to Pregnancy and Birth: A Practical Guide provides an overview of current evidence and a range of practical suggestions to promote physiologic birth within the United States healthcare system.” (Childbirth Today From Birthsource.com, 12 June 2014)
Table of ContentsContributors ix
Foreword by Holly Powell Kennedy xi
Acknowledgments xiii
Section 1 Understanding a physiologic approach 1
1 The case for a physiologic approach to birth: an overview 3
Melissa D. Avery
2 The physiology of pregnancy, labor, and birth 13
Cindy M. Anderson
3 A supportive approach to prenatal care 29
Carrie E. Neerland
4 Supporting a physiologic approach to labor and birth 49
Lisa Kane Low and Rebeca Barroso
Section 2 Interventions and approaches 77
5 Promoting comfort: a conceptual approach 79
Kerri D. Schuiling
6 Continuous labor support 91
Carrie E. Neerland
7 Techniques to promote relaxation in labor 105
Kathryn Leggitt
8 Touch therapies in pregnancy and childbirth 119
Deborah Ringdahl
9 Water immersion for labor and birth 157
Michelle R. Collins and Dawn M. Dahlgren-Roemmich
10 Aromatherapy in pregnancy and childbirth 173
Linda L. Halcón
11 Acupressure and acupuncture in pregnancy and childbirth 197
Katie Moriarty and Kennedy Sharp
Section 3 organizational approaches to supporting physiologic pregnancy and birth 227
12 Rethinking care on the hospital labor unit 229
Emily Higdon, Rachel Woodard, Kristin Rood and Heidi Jean Bernard
13 Out-of-hospital birth 251
Marsha E. Jackson and Alice Bailes
14 Educating health professionals for collaborative practice in support of normal birth 275
Melissa D. Avery, John C. Jennings and Michelle L. O’Brien
15 Women’s health and maternity care policies: Current status and recommendations for change 301
Heather M. Bradford
Resources for physiologic pregnancy and childbirth 331
Index 335
