Author Description

An essential manual encompassing the entire childbearing process, from preconception planning through pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Content progresses from normal to at-risk information within each phase: pregnancy, labor and birth, care of the newborn, and the postpartum period. Cultural aspects of childbearing and material on the childbearing adolescent are integrated appropriately throughout. Every page has been updated to reflect the most current research and technology. The underlying philosophy of the text, however, remains unchanged: pregnancy and birth are normal life processes; members of the family are co-participants in care; and the nursing process provides the nursing diagnoses. Each of the learning aids reflected in this new edition has been grounded in that philosophy and commitment toa family-centered approach.