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The pregnant drug addict
Book reviews Midwives and Safer Motherhood Susan Murray, Editor Mosby, 1996, 1st edn, ISBN 0-7234-21226, Price £12.95 This book is a most welcome addition to the literature on midwifery. It is well set out and, although the chapters are grouped together to form sections, each chapter has a distinct focus. The chapters are well referenced from a wide variety of sources, which should enable midwives from most countries to use the information as a resource for further reading. The first four chapters of the book have a focus on maternal health research in developing countries. The research is related to clinical practice, management and policy issues. This rich literature should enable most midwives to reflect on the factors which may help or hinder the achievement of their objectives for safer motherhood. Chapters five to seven offer strong arguments for the expansion of the role of the midwife in the fight to reduce maternal mortality. Chapter five, which considers 'Maternal Mortality From Abortion', should be read by all practising midwives, regardless of where in the world they practice. This chapter highlights the fact that although midwives play a key role in the maintenance of women's reproductive health, they are not normally involved in abortion care, and as a result women are dying. The overall message from these chapters is for the continuing incorporation of new advances into midwifery education and training, so that midwifery skills can be utilised for the safety and well-being of childbearing women. Midwifery education and training is the key focus of chapters eight to eleven and the issues discussed are particularly relevant to developing countries. The final two chapters are excellent, and should be read more than once, particularly by those midwives who would like to bring about a new order of things.
Rosaline Steele BA MA RM MTD
Culture, Religion and Childbearing in a Multiracial Society J. Schott and A. Henley Butterworth & Heinemann, 1996, Ist edn, ISBN 0-7506-2-5-1, Price £19.99 This is an easily read and well-researched book, as might be expected from these two Midwifery (I 997) 13, 48-51
© 1997 Pearson Professional Ltd
authors. Divided into five main themes, it presents the information in a clear format and represents very good value for money. By addressing the issues of culture and religion as affecting childbirth within a multicultural society, it fills a gap in the literature and would be a resource to midwives and students alike. For those managers involved in the purchasing and providing of maternity services it would also be of value, ensuring that appropriate services are provided when contracts are awarded. The current changes which are taking place within the maternity services in the UK affect all women, whatever their background, culture or religion, and implicit within those changes is the need for midwives and health professionals to be culturally and religiously aware. This book promotes that awareness in great depth. Of particular value are those sections which ask the reader to reflect and evaluate their personal values, attitudes and beliefs. The authors provide a framework in which the midwife and student can develop and enhance their interpersonal and communication skills. The references at the end of each chapter are useful, encouraging the reader to explore the ideas and strategies suggested and motivating further research into the topic. It is a book that is probably most applicable to society and childbirth within the UK, but midwives worldwide would find it of value.
Glenys McGuire RM ADM/DPSM
Baby Friendly Mother Friendly Susan Murray, Editor Mosby, 1996, 1st edn, ISBN 6-7234-2123-4 The title of this book will certainly attract the attention of anybody involved in the WHO/UNICEF Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative. The text consists of thirteen chapters from contributors who have extensive global experience of supporting the main themes of the book. As the title suggests the text examines the global impact of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, and the Safe Motherhood Campaign. The first seven chapters concentrate on the global aspects of protection, promotion and support of breast feeding. The authors give examples of schemes in support of the theme, and follow the effect of initiating the ten steps to successful breast feeding in practice. It is encouraging to read how common problems of apathy, attitude and socio/cultural rejection of breast feeding, have developed, and then to go on to read how they can be overcome in practice. The second part of the text concentrates on the theme of safer motherhood and the
quality of maternity services, again from a global perspective. Personal accounts of care received by women in Nepal make disturbing reading, but the example given by women from The Phillipines show that women can be effective in creating a service for themselves that will ensure a mother and baby friendly environment exists, and that their health needs are important. It becomes clear when reading the text that when women are consulted, and asked what they want from their care givers, the answer is the same, where ever in the world and whatever their circumstances, they want to be cared for and treated kindly. The text is well referenced, but owing to the global remit of the book, it may be difficult for the reader to refer to the original sources for many of the references. This book would be a good reference source for any library, it is well presented and provides valuable information to the reader who may want to take any of the themes further. As the editor concedes, it was difficult to know what to leave out when examining such important and topical themes.
Mary Sidebotham RGN RM ADM/DPSM
The Pregnant Drug Addict Catherine Siney Books for Midwives Press, 1995, 1st edn, ISBN 1-8985-0713-9, Price £9.95 This book comes at an opportune time. At long last, women drugs users are being seen as deserving of specialist support by health care professionals. It has also been acknowledged recently that the education and training of practitioners has a vital role to play when meeting the often multiple needs of this client group. This informative book can only assist in facilitating the development of the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for caring for people with substance-misuse related problems. The introduction gives the reader a wealth of background information on drug use in general and leads appropriately into the particular problems, real or perceived, that pregnancy may bring. The ten separate chapters from a multi-disciplinary viewpoint are a testimony to the philosophy of shared care. Each one can stand alone should the reader wish to pace her/himself when addressing, what will be for some, a difficult and emotive topic. I have mixed feelings about the book's rather negative title. If it succeeds in drawing attention to this group, with its particular requirements however, it will be worthwhile. As a Drug Liaison Midwife I can closely identify with the model of care used by the authors but recognise that service
Book reviews 49
provision varies according to location. I have already recommended this comprehensive and very reasonably priced book to other health professionals and will continue to do so. Faye Macrory BA(Hons) RN RM
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Diagnosis, Epidemiology, Prevention, Treatment Institute of Medicine
-
National Academy Press, 1996, i s t edn, ISBN 0-309-05292-0, Price £28.95
This book is a report by the Committee to study Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and was requested by the US Congress because of concerns about the magnitude of the problem. Overall, this is an extremely informative and interesting book which would be a valuable addition to any midwifery/nursing/medical library or individual collection. It provides a comprehensive review of diagnosis, surveillance, prevention and treatment of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and other possible alcohol related effects. It offers key recommendations which are detailed and far-reaching. The broader perspective is addressed, including legislative action, public health messages and treatment options for women who are drinking at harmful levels. The organisation of the book is excellent with clearly defined, well indexed chapters which are sub-divided and clearly headed. It is an easy book to 'dip into', which is vital as some of the information is 'dry', being of a scientific nature. The references are listed at the end of each chapter and are detailed and up-to-date. There are few illustrations but those included enhance the information given, particularly the photographs of children affected by F.A.S. Photographs of babies would have been useful for midwives to see. In conclusion, I would recommend this book to obstetricians, midwives and health workers involved with substance misusers. Jacqueline A. Bullows RGN RMN Dip Comm. HealthStudies Dip in Counselling
Counselling in HIV Infection and AIDS John Green and Alana MacCreaner OxJord Blackwell Science, 2nd edn, ISBN 0-632-03605-2, Price £17.99
This comprehensive new edition of what has been termed a classical text seeks to update those who are involved with providing care for clients, in this it is successful.
New information in this hectically evolving field is incorporated in chapters with diverse foci around counselling, focusing on specific client groups such as haemophiliacs, drug users, families, the bereaved and staff involved in care. Supporting chapters include information on relaxation, legal aspects and laboratory tests and these add to the value of the book. The chapter on counselling in pregnancy, written by an eminent psychologist, juggles the difficult mix of information required to counsel women during pregnancy with advice about technique. Space being the final arbiter the result is satisfactory, although more on 'how' as well as 'why' would have seemed appropriate. Given the time from writing to publication inevitably some comments already appear dated (notably the various importance of transmission vectors in pregnancy - evidence now supports delivery as the majority factor in developed countries). The reference support for the various chapters is distressingly uneven inevitably limiting the academic use of some material. The book's pragmatic style and simple practise-based approach, however, are positive features. Analysis of counselling schools and theories is minimal, limiting the book's use for students on counselling courses. I would recommend this text to midwives working in areas of HIV infection and AIDS and as a reference book for those working in the area of ante-natal care. Tony Harrison BA RGN RSCNRNT
Protocol for High Risk Pregnancies J. Queenan and J. Hobbins Blackwell Science, Cambridge, 1996, 3rd edn, I S B N 0-8654-2444-6 Price £12.99
The editors are well-known and respected Obstetricians and Gynaecologists from the USA. The stated audience for this text was medical practitioners and so, naturally, it focuses on medical technology. Some procedures considered part of the normal management are extreme. For example, the treatment of shoulder dystocia includes a section on the Zavenilli manoeuvre, considered experimental by many people. There is no discussion on the hands and knees position although it has been used more frequently than the Zavenelli manoeuvre and with greater success (Meenan & Gaskin 199 i). Another example is a woman who is undergoing an external cephalic version. She should be on nil per month, have a digital pelvic examination (no reason is given for why this is helpful), a 'secure' IV access and she should have a full blood count and cross match done! Similarly, when discussing fetal resuscitation they suggest aminoinfusion as a
possible procedure. If the membranes had been left intact, however, possibly there would not be a problem to treat, or it may have been a minor one. Pathophysiology is well done and succinct. Although midwives may find the book useful as an introductory text, they should also refer to books that are more midwifery orientated and/or less aggressive in their treatment of women with pregnancy related problems.
REFERENCE Meenan A, Gaskin I M, Hunt Pet al 1991 A new (old) manoeuvre for the management of shoulder dystocia. Journal of Family Practice 32:625-629 Helen Callaghan Nurse U~litManager
Acupuncture in Midwifery Sharon Yelland Books f o r Midwives Press, 1996, 1st edn, ISBN 1-898507-4-6, Price £8.50
Acupuncture in Midwifery is written by a practising midwife employed in a Maternity Unit in Plymouth, England. Sharon Yelland is one of a small number of midwives who are also trained acupuncturists. The book gives an introduction into the role acupuncture may play in today's midwifery service. It is useful on two counts; firstly, for those midwives who wish to know more about the therapy, and secondly, for midwives to advise their clients on its use in pregnancy and the puerperium. A brief introduction to the theory of Chinese Medicine is followed by examples in which acupuncture may be used in pregnancy. Case studies are included, as are diagrams which are clear and add to the clarity of the text. A number of up-to-date references and further reading suggestions are included at the end of the book for those midwives wishing to expand their knowledge. I would recommend this book as an introduction to any midwife wishing to know more about acupuncture and its application to midwifery practice. This is an easy to read book which should be within the price range of any midwife. Ann Holroyd 8Sc RN RM Dip PSN
Fertility E. Chubb and Jane Knight David & Charles, 1996, 3rd edn, ISBN 07153-1424-0
This is an excellent book on fertility awareness and Natural Family Planning which gives sufficient research-based knowledge for the professional and has also made the text
Rosaline Steele BA MA RM MTD
Culture, Religion and Childbearing in a Multiracial Society J. Schott and A. Henley Butterworth & Heinemann, 1996, Ist edn, ISBN 0-7506-2-5-1, Price £19.99 This is an easily read and well-researched book, as might be expected from these two Midwifery (I 997) 13, 48-51
© 1997 Pearson Professional Ltd
authors. Divided into five main themes, it presents the information in a clear format and represents very good value for money. By addressing the issues of culture and religion as affecting childbirth within a multicultural society, it fills a gap in the literature and would be a resource to midwives and students alike. For those managers involved in the purchasing and providing of maternity services it would also be of value, ensuring that appropriate services are provided when contracts are awarded. The current changes which are taking place within the maternity services in the UK affect all women, whatever their background, culture or religion, and implicit within those changes is the need for midwives and health professionals to be culturally and religiously aware. This book promotes that awareness in great depth. Of particular value are those sections which ask the reader to reflect and evaluate their personal values, attitudes and beliefs. The authors provide a framework in which the midwife and student can develop and enhance their interpersonal and communication skills. The references at the end of each chapter are useful, encouraging the reader to explore the ideas and strategies suggested and motivating further research into the topic. It is a book that is probably most applicable to society and childbirth within the UK, but midwives worldwide would find it of value.
Glenys McGuire RM ADM/DPSM
Baby Friendly Mother Friendly Susan Murray, Editor Mosby, 1996, 1st edn, ISBN 6-7234-2123-4 The title of this book will certainly attract the attention of anybody involved in the WHO/UNICEF Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative. The text consists of thirteen chapters from contributors who have extensive global experience of supporting the main themes of the book. As the title suggests the text examines the global impact of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, and the Safe Motherhood Campaign. The first seven chapters concentrate on the global aspects of protection, promotion and support of breast feeding. The authors give examples of schemes in support of the theme, and follow the effect of initiating the ten steps to successful breast feeding in practice. It is encouraging to read how common problems of apathy, attitude and socio/cultural rejection of breast feeding, have developed, and then to go on to read how they can be overcome in practice. The second part of the text concentrates on the theme of safer motherhood and the
quality of maternity services, again from a global perspective. Personal accounts of care received by women in Nepal make disturbing reading, but the example given by women from The Phillipines show that women can be effective in creating a service for themselves that will ensure a mother and baby friendly environment exists, and that their health needs are important. It becomes clear when reading the text that when women are consulted, and asked what they want from their care givers, the answer is the same, where ever in the world and whatever their circumstances, they want to be cared for and treated kindly. The text is well referenced, but owing to the global remit of the book, it may be difficult for the reader to refer to the original sources for many of the references. This book would be a good reference source for any library, it is well presented and provides valuable information to the reader who may want to take any of the themes further. As the editor concedes, it was difficult to know what to leave out when examining such important and topical themes.
Mary Sidebotham RGN RM ADM/DPSM
The Pregnant Drug Addict Catherine Siney Books for Midwives Press, 1995, 1st edn, ISBN 1-8985-0713-9, Price £9.95 This book comes at an opportune time. At long last, women drugs users are being seen as deserving of specialist support by health care professionals. It has also been acknowledged recently that the education and training of practitioners has a vital role to play when meeting the often multiple needs of this client group. This informative book can only assist in facilitating the development of the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for caring for people with substance-misuse related problems. The introduction gives the reader a wealth of background information on drug use in general and leads appropriately into the particular problems, real or perceived, that pregnancy may bring. The ten separate chapters from a multi-disciplinary viewpoint are a testimony to the philosophy of shared care. Each one can stand alone should the reader wish to pace her/himself when addressing, what will be for some, a difficult and emotive topic. I have mixed feelings about the book's rather negative title. If it succeeds in drawing attention to this group, with its particular requirements however, it will be worthwhile. As a Drug Liaison Midwife I can closely identify with the model of care used by the authors but recognise that service
Book reviews 49
provision varies according to location. I have already recommended this comprehensive and very reasonably priced book to other health professionals and will continue to do so. Faye Macrory BA(Hons) RN RM
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Diagnosis, Epidemiology, Prevention, Treatment Institute of Medicine
-
National Academy Press, 1996, i s t edn, ISBN 0-309-05292-0, Price £28.95
This book is a report by the Committee to study Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and was requested by the US Congress because of concerns about the magnitude of the problem. Overall, this is an extremely informative and interesting book which would be a valuable addition to any midwifery/nursing/medical library or individual collection. It provides a comprehensive review of diagnosis, surveillance, prevention and treatment of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and other possible alcohol related effects. It offers key recommendations which are detailed and far-reaching. The broader perspective is addressed, including legislative action, public health messages and treatment options for women who are drinking at harmful levels. The organisation of the book is excellent with clearly defined, well indexed chapters which are sub-divided and clearly headed. It is an easy book to 'dip into', which is vital as some of the information is 'dry', being of a scientific nature. The references are listed at the end of each chapter and are detailed and up-to-date. There are few illustrations but those included enhance the information given, particularly the photographs of children affected by F.A.S. Photographs of babies would have been useful for midwives to see. In conclusion, I would recommend this book to obstetricians, midwives and health workers involved with substance misusers. Jacqueline A. Bullows RGN RMN Dip Comm. HealthStudies Dip in Counselling
Counselling in HIV Infection and AIDS John Green and Alana MacCreaner OxJord Blackwell Science, 2nd edn, ISBN 0-632-03605-2, Price £17.99
This comprehensive new edition of what has been termed a classical text seeks to update those who are involved with providing care for clients, in this it is successful.
New information in this hectically evolving field is incorporated in chapters with diverse foci around counselling, focusing on specific client groups such as haemophiliacs, drug users, families, the bereaved and staff involved in care. Supporting chapters include information on relaxation, legal aspects and laboratory tests and these add to the value of the book. The chapter on counselling in pregnancy, written by an eminent psychologist, juggles the difficult mix of information required to counsel women during pregnancy with advice about technique. Space being the final arbiter the result is satisfactory, although more on 'how' as well as 'why' would have seemed appropriate. Given the time from writing to publication inevitably some comments already appear dated (notably the various importance of transmission vectors in pregnancy - evidence now supports delivery as the majority factor in developed countries). The reference support for the various chapters is distressingly uneven inevitably limiting the academic use of some material. The book's pragmatic style and simple practise-based approach, however, are positive features. Analysis of counselling schools and theories is minimal, limiting the book's use for students on counselling courses. I would recommend this text to midwives working in areas of HIV infection and AIDS and as a reference book for those working in the area of ante-natal care. Tony Harrison BA RGN RSCNRNT
Protocol for High Risk Pregnancies J. Queenan and J. Hobbins Blackwell Science, Cambridge, 1996, 3rd edn, I S B N 0-8654-2444-6 Price £12.99
The editors are well-known and respected Obstetricians and Gynaecologists from the USA. The stated audience for this text was medical practitioners and so, naturally, it focuses on medical technology. Some procedures considered part of the normal management are extreme. For example, the treatment of shoulder dystocia includes a section on the Zavenilli manoeuvre, considered experimental by many people. There is no discussion on the hands and knees position although it has been used more frequently than the Zavenelli manoeuvre and with greater success (Meenan & Gaskin 199 i). Another example is a woman who is undergoing an external cephalic version. She should be on nil per month, have a digital pelvic examination (no reason is given for why this is helpful), a 'secure' IV access and she should have a full blood count and cross match done! Similarly, when discussing fetal resuscitation they suggest aminoinfusion as a
possible procedure. If the membranes had been left intact, however, possibly there would not be a problem to treat, or it may have been a minor one. Pathophysiology is well done and succinct. Although midwives may find the book useful as an introductory text, they should also refer to books that are more midwifery orientated and/or less aggressive in their treatment of women with pregnancy related problems.
REFERENCE Meenan A, Gaskin I M, Hunt Pet al 1991 A new (old) manoeuvre for the management of shoulder dystocia. Journal of Family Practice 32:625-629 Helen Callaghan Nurse U~litManager
Acupuncture in Midwifery Sharon Yelland Books f o r Midwives Press, 1996, 1st edn, ISBN 1-898507-4-6, Price £8.50
Acupuncture in Midwifery is written by a practising midwife employed in a Maternity Unit in Plymouth, England. Sharon Yelland is one of a small number of midwives who are also trained acupuncturists. The book gives an introduction into the role acupuncture may play in today's midwifery service. It is useful on two counts; firstly, for those midwives who wish to know more about the therapy, and secondly, for midwives to advise their clients on its use in pregnancy and the puerperium. A brief introduction to the theory of Chinese Medicine is followed by examples in which acupuncture may be used in pregnancy. Case studies are included, as are diagrams which are clear and add to the clarity of the text. A number of up-to-date references and further reading suggestions are included at the end of the book for those midwives wishing to expand their knowledge. I would recommend this book as an introduction to any midwife wishing to know more about acupuncture and its application to midwifery practice. This is an easy to read book which should be within the price range of any midwife. Ann Holroyd 8Sc RN RM Dip PSN
Fertility E. Chubb and Jane Knight David & Charles, 1996, 3rd edn, ISBN 07153-1424-0
This is an excellent book on fertility awareness and Natural Family Planning which gives sufficient research-based knowledge for the professional and has also made the text