Supporting a Physiologic Approach to Pregnancy and Birth A Practical Guide

by Avery, Melissa D.

• ISBN13: 9780470962862
• ISBN10: 0470962860
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2013-06-10
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Summary

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. 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.

Author Biography

Melissa D. Avery, PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN is Professor,  Chair of the Child and Family Health Cooperative Unit, and directs the midwifery program at the University of Minnesota’s School of Nursing.  She is the past president of the American College of Nursing Midwives.  Dr. Avery has authored numerous articles and is nationally known for her research in midwifery and women’s health.

Table of Contents

Contributors

Foreword by Holly Powell Kennedy

Acknowledgments

Section 1 Understanding a physiologic approach

1 The case for a physiologic approach to birth: an overview
Melissa D. Avery

2 The physiology of pregnancy, labor, and birth
Cindy M. Anderson

3 A supportive approach to prenatal care
Carrie E. Neerland

4 Supporting a physiologic approach to labor and birth
Lisa Kane Low and Rebeca Barroso

Section 2 Interventions and approaches

5 Promoting comfort: a conceptual approach
Kerri D. Schuiling

6 Continuous labor support
Carrie E. Neerland

7 Techniques to promote relaxation in labor
Kathryn Leggitt

8 Touch therapies in pregnancy and childbirth
Deborah Ringdahl

9 Water immersion for labor and birth
Michelle R. Collins and Dawn M. Dahlgren Roemmich

10 Aromatherapy in pregnancy and childbirth
Linda L. Halcón

11 Acupressure and acupuncture in pregnancy and childbirth
Katie Moriarty and Kennedy Sharp

Section 3 organizational approaches to supporting physiologic pregnancy and birth

12 Rethinking care on the hospital labor unit
Emily Higdon, Rachel Woodard, Kristin Rood and Heidi Jean Bernard

13 Out-of-hospital birth
Marsha E. Jackson and Alice Bailes

14 Educating health professionals for collaborative practice in support of normal birth
Melissa D. Avery, John Jennings and Michelle O’Brien

15 Women’s health and maternity care policies: Current status and recommendations for change
Heather M. Bradford

Resources for physiologic pregnancy and childbirth

Index