Praise for the First Edition:

“Where was this book when I was a new nurse just learning the ropes of labor and delivery? This is a true gem of a book—a must for any new grad going into labor and delivery. I recommend this book for every labor and delivery floor."

-Cindy Curtis, RNC, IBCLC, CCE

Former Director, The Family Birth Center

Culpeper Regional Hospital

Lignum, VA

“The best one-stop reference book for the experienced and novice Labor and Delivery RN….Finally an excellent Labor and Delivery book by RN's — for RN's.”

-Garla DeWall, RNC

Presbyterian Hospital in the Family Birthing Center

Albuquerque, New Mexico

The clinically oriented guide to nursing care during childbirth is distinguished by its strong focus on evidence-based practice as well as its engaging style and user-friendly format. It reviews the nursing process from admission to delivery focusing on proper surveillance and care, comprehensive data acquisition, interpretation, and teamwork.

The second edition continues to help labor and delivery nurses make wise decisions in the delivery room, optimizing both maternal and fetal outcomes. It clearly explains the stages and phases of labor, delivery, and pain assessment and management—all supported by proven research. This text provides authoritative guidance on intervention options, creating patient-centered care plans, and improving communication with other members of the obstetrics team.

New to the Second Edition:Proper analysis of the partograph to facilitate appropriate patient interventionsUpdated information about clinical pelvimetryNew information on psyche, including the religious, spiritual, and cultural dimensions of careSetting priorities in triage and care related to postpartum hemorrhageIdentification of “myths” related to childbirthIndividualized patient care related to fetal distress and nonreassuring fetal statusOxytocin infusion and its relationship to permanent Erb’s palsy and autismUpdated information on technology, including connectivity between smart IV pumps and the EMRHow to distinguish functional from mechanical dystocia and intervene to enhance fetal and maternal safetyKey Features:Applies to nursing care of childbearing clients world-wideFocuses on evidence-based practicesWritten in engaging, easy-to-understand style for new nurses, seasoned practitioners, and nurses seeking certificationEnhances effective decision-making to optimize patient care and outcomesReplete with informative references, relevant graphics, and review questionsIncorporates research to clearly explain concepts and best practicesProvides orientation fundamentals, checklists, and log charts

Gayle Huelsmann