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Obstetrics—Colour aids series
In, J Vurr. Srud.. Vol. 28. No. 4. pp. 397-398. Pcrgamon Press pk. Prmrcd !n Great Brmin.
1991.
Book Reviews Obstefrics-Cofour
Aids Series. D. K. James and M. Pillai. Churchill Livingstone (1990).
144~~. Price f6.50. This book contains some excellent coloured photographs which allow the practitioner to see some unusual conditions which she/he may not otherwise experience. The authors are to be congratulated on the range and quality of these. Photographs depicting procedures such as perineal suturing and caesarean section are less helpful because the student needs to see the event in reality in order to gain any understanding. The descriptions of these procedures, while straightforward and easy to follow, are not educationally sound because they contain no discussion of alternative approaches or materials. The cover presents the woman as a pregnant abdomen, obliterating her identity. Students in all fields of health care must learn to question and evaluate patterns of care. This book does not encourage a critical approach but simply directs the reader on what to do. This book could prove a valuable prompt for those who had already studied obstetrics and wanted to refresh their memories. The photographs provide useful visual aids to supplement other texts. However, I would discourage its use as a main resource. LINDA K. BROWN, B.A., R.G.N., R.S.C.N., R.H., M.T.D. Department
of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 SXH.
Maternity Cure (2nd Edn). Helen Farrer. Churchill Livingstone (1990). 248~~. Price f 12.50.
This is a well-presented book which gives a comprehensive overview of maternity care. However, anyone using this book in the U.K. must bear in mind that it depicts care as it is given in Australia. The student nurse in the U.K. will meet professionals whose educational backgrounds and roles are quite different from those described in the text. The book is written as an instructional text and does not offer debate or discussion of the approaches to care. This is acceptable as it is designed for nurses as opposed to prospective midwives. However, some of the material is a little dated. One example is the account of antenatal breast preparation which is considered of very little value, if any value at all. There are no references or further reading lists in this book. As it gives a fairly basic account of events and care it would have been a useful addition to have included a bibliography so that readers could explore the subject more thoroughly if they so wished. Although largely an account of the physical aspects of pregnancy and childbirth this book does devote a short chapter to a discussion of social and emotional areas which is useful. In their, albeit limited, contact with women and their families, student nurses may be faced with these concerns and it is good if they give them some thought. This book contains accounts of aspects concerning childbearing which will be helpful to student nurses but if it is to be seen as relevant outside of Australia it must be read in conjunction with 397
1991.
Book Reviews Obstefrics-Cofour
Aids Series. D. K. James and M. Pillai. Churchill Livingstone (1990).
144~~. Price f6.50. This book contains some excellent coloured photographs which allow the practitioner to see some unusual conditions which she/he may not otherwise experience. The authors are to be congratulated on the range and quality of these. Photographs depicting procedures such as perineal suturing and caesarean section are less helpful because the student needs to see the event in reality in order to gain any understanding. The descriptions of these procedures, while straightforward and easy to follow, are not educationally sound because they contain no discussion of alternative approaches or materials. The cover presents the woman as a pregnant abdomen, obliterating her identity. Students in all fields of health care must learn to question and evaluate patterns of care. This book does not encourage a critical approach but simply directs the reader on what to do. This book could prove a valuable prompt for those who had already studied obstetrics and wanted to refresh their memories. The photographs provide useful visual aids to supplement other texts. However, I would discourage its use as a main resource. LINDA K. BROWN, B.A., R.G.N., R.S.C.N., R.H., M.T.D. Department
of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 SXH.
Maternity Cure (2nd Edn). Helen Farrer. Churchill Livingstone (1990). 248~~. Price f 12.50.
This is a well-presented book which gives a comprehensive overview of maternity care. However, anyone using this book in the U.K. must bear in mind that it depicts care as it is given in Australia. The student nurse in the U.K. will meet professionals whose educational backgrounds and roles are quite different from those described in the text. The book is written as an instructional text and does not offer debate or discussion of the approaches to care. This is acceptable as it is designed for nurses as opposed to prospective midwives. However, some of the material is a little dated. One example is the account of antenatal breast preparation which is considered of very little value, if any value at all. There are no references or further reading lists in this book. As it gives a fairly basic account of events and care it would have been a useful addition to have included a bibliography so that readers could explore the subject more thoroughly if they so wished. Although largely an account of the physical aspects of pregnancy and childbirth this book does devote a short chapter to a discussion of social and emotional areas which is useful. In their, albeit limited, contact with women and their families, student nurses may be faced with these concerns and it is good if they give them some thought. This book contains accounts of aspects concerning childbearing which will be helpful to student nurses but if it is to be seen as relevant outside of Australia it must be read in conjunction with 397