Managing Childbirth Emergencies in the Community and Low Tech Settings

Health care professionals need to make rapid decisions under pressure to prevent and manage adverse outcomes during childbirth. Using an enquiry-based learning approach, this book offers a straightforward but comprehensive guide to emergency care, with scenarios throughout and expert commentary from a Supervisor of Midwives. A childbirth emergency is always a critical process that requires focus and skill from all the medical staff involved. But whether it's an emergency in the home or at a midwife-led birthing unit, childbirth emergencies in community or low-tech settings lack the resources and the help that is so readily available in the hospital. It is therefore absolutely crucial that midwives are well equipped to deal with emergencies in situations where resources are minimal. With chapters covering pre-eclampsia, shoulder dystocia, new-born resuscitation and much more, this book prepares student and qualified midwives for transferring their skills in high risk situations outside of the hospital setting. Now in its second edition it boasts a broad range of chapters written by experts in the field. Each chapter has been completely updated and an important new chapter on supporting women under acute mental stress has been introduced. Written as a toolkit for dealing with childbirth emergencies this book is supported with a range of innovative features, including: • Case Scenario boxes that illustrate the different emergencies and provide the context of real women and real-life situations. • Commentary from an experienced midwife supervisor, providing additional professional guidance. • Reflective Questions to engage the reader and test their knowledge. • Reflective Activities to encourage the reader to consolidate and apply what they have learnt. • Key Points that provide concise lists of the key facts in each chapter. With chapters covering the role of paramedics and legal and professional this is also a valuable resource for paramedics, general medical practitioners, trainers and educators. Health care professionals need to make rapid decisions under pressure to prevent and manage adverse outcomes during childbirth. Using an enquiry-based learning approach, this book offers a straightforward but comprehensive guide to emergency care, with scenarios throughout and expert commentary from a Supervisor of Midwives. It all addresses all major emergency situations as well as legal and clinical governance issues. It is essential reading for all midwives, paramedics and allied health professionals involved in the provision of obstetric care away from the acute setting.