Midwifery practice : critical illness, complications and emergencies

"Given the increasing complexities of co-morbidities in women of childbearing age, this book provides a case study approach to several critical conditions which challenge all health care professionals working in this field.

The case study approach will help midwives, doctors, midwifery and medical students to ground their clinical skills training on each specific situation by working through the questions and answer format.

Of particular importance is the emphasis on inter-professional team working and the links between theory and practice."Dr. Rita Borg Xuereb, Head of Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Malta"The authors are to be commended as this is the first book of its kind and is well overdue ...

The content is excellent, well referenced and covers all of the important issues ...

The layout makes the book easy to read and the inclusion of pre-reading, self-assessment of knowledge and case studies engages the reader and stimulates further study into the pathophysiology and management of obstetric emergencies.

I particularly liked the chapter on sepsis."Professor Christine Kettle, University Hospital of North Staffordshire & Staffordshire University, UKPart of a case book series, this book contains 14 common pregnancy and childbirth emergency scenarios to help prepare student midwives for life in practice.

Each case explores and explains the pathology, pharmacology and care principles, and uses test questions and answers to help assess learning.

The practical cases link theory to practice and their grounding in reality will really help bring midwifery to life.The book also:Covers the principles, pathology and skills involved in a range of birthing scenariosActs as a useful aide memoire when simulating managing care proceduresDemonstrates the importance of inter-professional team working in problem-solvingUses tables, diagrams and textboxes throughout, which act as a useful reference pointMidwifery Practice is essential reading for student midwives, medical students and paramedics and a valuable resource for health professionals pursuing postgraduate studies in high dependency/ critical care.

It is also beneficial to the facilitation of maternity based OSCEs.Contributors: Sam Bharmal, Susan Brydon, Margaret Ramsay, Jane Rutherford, Andrew Sim