Best Practices In Midwifery

First Edition an AJN Book of the Year Award Winner! This second edition of a groundbreaking book is substantially revised to deliver the foundation for an evidence-based model for best practices in midwifery, a model critical to raising the United States' current standing as the bottom-ranking country for maternity mortality among developed nations.With a focus on updated scientific evidence as the framework for midwifery practice, the book includes 21 completely new chapters that address bothcontinuing and new areas of practice, the impact of institutional and national policies, and the effects of diversity and globalization. Incorporating themidwifery model of care, the book provides strategies for change and guidance for implementing evidence-based best practices. The book examines midwifery efforts to improve the health of women and children in the U.S., for example, Strong Start, US MERA, Centering Pregnancy, a focus on physiologic birth, and successful global endeavors. It encompasses a diverse nationwide authorship that includes leaders in midwifery,academicians, midwives representing diversity, hospital- and community-based practitioners, and policymakers. This coalition of authors from diversebackgrounds facilitates an engaging and robust discussion around best practices. Chapters open with a contemporary review of the literature, a comparisonof current (often scientifically unsubstantiated and ineffective) practices, evidence-based recommendations, and best practices for midwifery. Key Features: Focuses on scientific evidence as the framework for midwifery practice Addresses continuing and new, controversial areas of practice with strategies and guidelines for change Includes 20 out of 27 completely new chapters Authored by a diverse group of 44 prominent midwifery leaders Examines practices that are in conflict with scientific evidence

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Awarded second place in the 2013 AJN Book of the Year Awards in the Maternal-Child Nursing/Childbirthing category "This book is one of those turning points that will make an enormous difference." Judith P. Rooks, CNM, MS, MPH Author of Midwifery and Childbirth in America "This book provides a well-rounded examination of the issues we face in using evidence to inform our everyday clinical decisions...The authors have gathered current evidence and created practice scenarios to help the reader visualize EBP in action." "In a country that has more independent midwives and group practices than hospital based midwives this type of book could possibly become the cornerstone in terms of the standards of midwifery care."--Nursing Times From the Foreword by Holly Powell Kennedy, CNM, PhD, FACNM, FAAN President, American College of Nurse Midwives Helen Varney Professor of Midwifery Yale University School of Nursing Nurse-midwives often find themselves in situations where current research-based treatment conflicts with established practices that may be ineffective or even harmful. This text provides a roadmap for nurse-midwives who strive to implement change through evidence-based practice by presenting the most current evidence-based research on the care of childbearing women. It is the only book about evidence-based practice for nurse-midwives that encompasses the most controversial areas of practice. The text incorporates the foundations of midwifery and the midwifery model of care throughout. The book discusses the use of electronic databases in examining evidence and identifying best practices. It considers how the current workforce environment affects the practice of nurse-midwifery, and describes evidence-based practices in the care of childbearing women. Each chapter reviews current literature, describes contemporary practices and explores whether these practices are based on scientific evidence. Case studies enhance the examination of evidence and the identification of best practices. Key Features: Focuses on scientific evidence as the framework for the practice of nurse-midwifery Incorporates the hallmarks of midwifery and the midwifery model of care Examines practices that are in conflict with scientific evidence Provides guidance for practicing nurse-midwives in implementing best practices based upon scientific evidence

This invaluable resource represents a select compilation of articles from issues of The Practising Midwife, which form the basis of a practical approach to pregnancy and childbirth. Practicing midwives and students will find this volume extremely useful, as it provides essential information on all aspects of midwifery.

This text provides a roadmap for nurse-midwives who strive to implement change through evidence-based practice by presenting the most current evidence-based research on the care of childbearing women. It is the only book about evidence-based practice for nurse-midwives that encompasses the most controversial areas of practice.

The new edition of this highly acclaimed step-by-step guide continues to offer readers with the relevant physiology, evidence-base and rationale for the key midwifery skills. Authored by experienced practitioners and educationalists, Skills for Midwifery Practice 4e will be ideal for all midwifery students, both from within the UK and worldwide. Presents over 150 essential midwifery procedures in an easy-to-read, quick reference format ‘Learning Objectives’ and ‘end-of-chapter’ self-assessment exercises allow readers to monitor their progress Refers to the latest evidence and research, including current national and international guidelines Explains the underlying physiology associated with pregnancy and childbirth Over 150 artworks help explain physiological processes and clinical procedures ‘Roles and Responsibilities’ boxes define the nature and extent of current practice Ideal for use as a basis for teaching and assessment New format - now with colour - makes learning even easier! Explores the use and significance of the Modified Early Obstetric Warning Scoring Chart Discusses advances in equipment usage including the application of sequential compression devices, temporal artery thermometers, and pulse oximetry in the early detection of critical congenital heart disease Contains advances in microbiology and infection control including the application and removal of gloves and the use of ANTT for each relevant procedure Physiology updates include an expanded section on normal and abnormal breathing patterns, the structure of the stratum corneum at birth and the factors that affect its barrier function, and neonatal reflexes present at birth Updated information regarding the use of the automated external defibrillator during maternal resuscitation, and the use of blended air and oxygen and pulse oximetry during neonatal resuscitation Care of the traumatised perineum - including expanded discussion of modern suture materials Recognition and management of complications associated with infusion therapy and epidural analgesia

This book deals with the central theme of freedom to practise midwifery in selected countries of the world. Each chapter has a separate author who has specific knowledge of the country for that chapter either as a citizen or researcher. The underpinning theme of this book is the philosophy of best midwifery practice - particularly that which is evidence-based. To clarify the meaning of the term, the book includes an initial chapter that discusses the aims and realities of achieving 'best practice' - wherever in the world a midwife may be and under whatever circumstances she may be working.

The book looks at a broad perspective of decision making and each chapter focuses on a specific aspect related to making crucial decisions. Following an initial introduction the book explores the concept of autonomy and the many factors that influence autonomous practise. The role of knowledge in decision making, using evidence to inform decisions, as well as different approaches to decision making are also examined - including the traditional or rational approach, decision analysis and the development of professional judgement. Dilemmas arise when decisions are made and therefore ethical decision making is an important component of this book. Management decisions may be different from those related to giving specific care to women, hence one chapter focuses on making management decisions. Emphasis is also placed on the role of the midwife in helping women make their own decisions, the role of reflection in enhancing the decisions midwives make and the support midwives can receive from their Supervisor of Midwives. Flowcharts explain and facilitate the decision-making process. A very practical approach to decision-making in midwifery, with contributions from midwives who have considerable experience in this area Provides guidelines on how to achieve successful autonomous midwifery practice, enabling theory to be effectively applied to practice Includes coverage of management roles and decision-making as well as clinical scenarios, offering frameworks and flowcharts to guide the inexperienced Suggests different approaches to making difficult decisions