Dystocia or failure to progress in labor is the main reason for cesarean deliveries. The second edition of this successful text focuses on simple non-invasive interventions to prevent or treat difficult labor. It describes positions, movements and techniques based on principles of anatomy, physiology and psychology of childbirth. The Labor Progress Handbook is organized by stage of labor for easy reference, enabling the care giver to quickly identify appropriate low cost, low risk interventions and treat dystocia effectively, at an early stage before it becomes severe. The new edition has been thoroughly revised and updated and includes a new chapter on assessing progress in labor, together with new sections on managing labor pain, normal labor and additional positions and maneuvers. The rationale for all techniques is included based on the authors' clinical experience and wherever possible on the underlying evidence base. * New edition of essential resource for anyone caring for women in labor * Brings Together a wealth of evidence-based information and clinical expertise * 'Focuses on non-invasive techniques to assist the progress of labor * Emphasis on maternal comfort, support and safety * Encourages thoughtful, evidence-based diagnosis and intervention * Contains clear and simple illustrations, which complement the text From Reviews: 'The focus of support, position, maternal comfort, and safety is one that should be used by anyone caring for laboring women. It encourages thoughtful diagnosis and intervention in an ordered and sensible manner.' --Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing (on the first edition)
It's clear that the book is writen for professionals because of the jargon, and in my opinion every professional should read it! I am on my way to become a doula and unfortunately this book is not on the required reading list, I think it should be. It is an important tool for when labor doesn't progress 'as it should', and offers options and ideas to try before the drugs and machines are introduced to speed up labor are introduced.
A Must-Have for Doulas
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
This book should be on the recommended reading list for all doula training programs! In a clear, concise, and thoughtful way, Penny explains what makes labor progress, how to recognize labor progress, and how to help with labor progress. My copy is always in my birth bag. I have used it at several births for various reasons, and have always found it to be helpful, with reminders or even just to reaffirm that I've done everything possible. I recommend this book for anyone in the childbirth field and for expectant couples as well!
Birth professionals: Don't leave home without this book!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
Every once in awhile, a book on childbirth comes along that is a standout. The Labor Progress Handbook is one of those books, but what else would one expect from Penny Simkin and Ruth Ancheta? The authors have produced a lucid, logical, beautifully organized, clearly written, bounteously illustrated, meticulously documented book that gives birth professionals a systematic, practical basis to prevent, diagnose, and treat poor progress in labor. Approaching dystocia holistically, the authors consider the effects of the woman's emotional state, her environment, and the impact of hospital or caregiver policies and attitudes in addition to the standard "powers, passage, passenger" explanation for labor progress. And they are woman centered: the laboring woman is the active agent in resolving difficulties, and the unacceptability of a recommendation always contraindicates its use. If you teach about labor, care for laboring women, or work as a doula or birth assistant, you should--no, must--read this book.
The book for anyone involved in childbirth!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
This deceptively slim book is jam-packed with useful information that can be used by just about anyone involved in childbirth today. I have recommended it be added as a textbook to the midwifery program where I teach, and I am planning to purchase a copy for the nursing station of the hospital where I work. The illustrations are very informative, the text is well organized, and the suggestions are well-documented both from research and from anecdotal evidence.
Bravo!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
At last, a book for all birth professionals that is concise, informative and in an "easy-to-look-up" format! There is a bibliography at the end of each chapter, allowing the professional to give citations to clients and to allow her to actually read the studies if she so chooses.The size of the book makes it easy for a doula to throw into her birth bag or for a nurse to have handy on a labor and delivery unit. The amount of information packed into its' size is incredible.I now heartily recommend this book to all of my birthing friends and doulas who take my training. Bravo, Penny and Ruth! And thanks for making the evidence easier to access!
ThriftBooks sells millions of used books at the lowest everyday prices. We personally assess every book's quality and offer rare, out-of-print treasures. We deliver the joy of reading in recyclable packaging with free standard shipping on US orders over $15. ThriftBooks.com. Read more. Spend less.