Book Review

Brief Description:
This is a short, easily read description of the natural course of, and common issues and misconceptions, used in second stage of labour in a hospital environment. It is set in the UK. The explanations attempt to cover the authors perception of such strategies backed by frequent direction to referenced studies highlighting the relevance to a natural second stage. It includes comments from birthing women and midwives about their response to second stage and the directions they received from caregivers. It encourages the birthing woman to have a firm belief in her bodys' natural urges during birth.

Format:
Slightly larger than pocket-size, soft cover booklet with less than one hundred pages. Occasional line drawings that are easily interpreted.

Outline of Contents:
The book begins with a description of what happens at the end of first stage and an outline of the course of second stage. Physiological approach to second stage and advantageous positions are discussed as is the history of second stage management and common interventions that may occur during this time. It concludes with possible complications of second stage and the risks of those complications. Also, it mentions the risks of intervention by the care giver to the mother and baby. The final discussion on birth plans is very broad based but not a bad place to start. There is an extensive appendix of reference sources at the back.

Comments:
This little book was interesting to read from a midwives point of view. As a ward resource it is a good place to search for references to highlight possible changes to established 'normal practice' that could be improved by less intervention. I could see it being of benefit to those parents seeking to form a well researched birth plan for a natural second stage.

Midwives at Kempsey Hospital
per Fiona Simpson