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Strengthen the Evidence for Maternal and Child Health Programs

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Items in this list may be obtained from the sources cited. Contact information reflects the most current data about the source that has been provided to the MCH Digital Library.

Displaying records 1 through 3 (3 total).

Stewart D. 1997. The five standards for safe childbearing. (4th ed.). Marble Hill, MO: National Association of Parents and Professionals for Safe Alternatives in Childbirth (NAPSAC) International, 536 pp.

Annotation: This book emphasizes childbirth as a safe, natural event, one which should seldom require medical intervention such as ceasarian section. According to the authors, the five most important aspects of a healthy pregnancy are: good nutrition; skillful midwifery; natural childbirth; home birth and; and breastfeeding. It contains strongly worded critiques of the maternal health practices of the medical establishment.

Contact: International Association of Parents and Professionals for Safe Alternatives in Childbirth, Route 4, Box 646, Marble Hill, MO 63764, Telephone: (573) 238-2010 Fax: E-mail: [email protected] Web Site: Available in libraries.

Keywords: Breastfeeding, Home childbirth, Labor, Maternal health, Maternal nutrition, Midwifery, Natural childbirth

Balaskas J. 1992. Active birth: The new approach to giving birth naturally. (Rev. ed.). Boston, MA: Harvard Common Press, 250 pp.

Annotation: This book describes the concept and practice of active birth, in which a mother moves about freely, finds comfortable positions for labor and delivery, and seldom needs drugs or obstetrical interventions. The book contains illustrated exercises for pregnancy, and describes massage techniques for pregnancy and labor, ways to create an ideal setting for an active birth in the hospital or at home, positions for labor and birth, water birth and how to plan one, and exercises for recovery and relaxation after the birth. Helpful tips for partners and birth attendants are also included.

Contact: Harvard Common Press, 535 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, Telephone: (617) 423-5803 Fax: (617) 695-9794 E-mail: [email protected] Web Site: http://www.harvardcommonpress.com Available in libraries.

Keywords: Exercise, Home childbirth, Labor, Natural childbirth, Pain, Postpartum care, Pregnancy

Arms S. 1975. Immaculate deception: A new look at women and childbirth in America. Boston, MA: Bantam Books, 398 pp.

Annotation: This book describes the modern day practices of childbirth in hospitals with medications and contrasts this approach with natural childbirth. It discusses male dominated views of American childbirth, midwifery, and the return of home births and birthing centers. The author argues against episiotomy, drugs, induced labor, and the supine birth position. Sprinkled throughout the book are personal accounts of women who have had hospital births and home births.

Keywords: Birthing centers, Childbirth, Home childbirth, Midwifery, Midwives, Natural childbirth, Nurse midwives, Pregnancy
   

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