Evidence and Skills for Normal Labour and Birth

Evidence-based care is a well-established principle in contemporary healthcare. However, despite the emphasis on promoting evidence-based or effective care without the unnecessary use of technologies and drugs, intervention rates in childbirth continue to rise rapidly.

This new edition of Evidence and Skills for Normal Labour and Birth emphasises the importance of translating evidence into skilful practice. It updates the evidence around what works best for normal birth, aspects of which still remain hidden and ignored by some maternity care professionals. Beginning with the decision about where to have a baby, through all the phases of labour to the immediate post-birth period, it systematically details research and other evidence sources that endorse a low intervention approach. The textbook:

• has been expanded with a new chapter on optimising labour and birth physiology for women deemed to be ‘high risk’
• highlights where the evidence is compelling
• discusses its application where women question its relevance to them and where the practitioner's expertise leads them to challenge it
• gives background and context before discussing the research to date
• includes questions for reflection, skills sections and practice recommendations generated from the evidence.

Using evidence drawn from a variety of sources, Evidence and Skills for Normal Labour and Birth critiques institutionalised, scientifically managed birth and endorses a more humane midwifery-led model. Packed with up-to-date and relevant information, this text will help all students, practising midwives and doulas keep abreast of the evidence surrounding normal birth and ensure their practice takes full advantage of it.

Denis Walsh is Associate Professor in Midwifery at The University of Nottingham. He lectures on evidence and skills for normal birth internationally and is widely published on midwifery issues and normal birth.