Midwives in all the developed countries are also taking increased professional responsibility for the management of all aspects of labour including pain control. Alternative methods of pain relief by midwives are being used increasingly, and will continueto be while the use of drugs such as pethidine for controlling labour pain is no longer routine. No book has existed till now which looks at the subject in the light of these changes from the midwife's point of view. Existing titles are very medical and pharmacological in approach. This book looks at all aspects of pain relief in labour, covering the physiological processes involved in the perception of pain and relates them to the physiological process of labour. Management of pain in labour is dealt with from the midwife's point of view and particular emphasis is given to non-pharmacological methods of pain control, including complementary therapies. Pharmacological methods of pain control are also included.

Key Features

Examines pain management in labour from the point of view of the modern professional midwife

Includes coverage of the physiological processes of pain and relates them to the physiological process of labour and the practical aspects of pain management in labour

At the right level for today's more academic courses (including post-basic diploma students), and for the midwife as an independent professional

Illustrated with clear line drawings to supplement and clarify the text

Written by an experienced clinical midwife and midwifery teacher (Sue Moore), with 14 years of previous clinical experience in both hospital and the community