Pregnant women - Sheila C Hunt

This important and much-needed book will help the midwife to understand the nature of violence, its roots and its manifestation in pregnancy as well as enabling all midwives to help women who are victims of such abuse more effectively. It aims to increase the midwife's understanding of a very complex aspect of society so as to enable her to stand alongside the woman as she faces an impossible future - to be her friend and advocate. Each chapter includes case studies and scenarios to illustrate the complexity of care and to help apply theory to clinical midwifery practice.

* Offers sound advice and ideas on how the midwife can support, influence and stand alongside women as they experience both childbirth and the crime of domestic violence; and discusses who else can help, including the law and the Women's Aid network
* Explores the shape of society and examines the roots of violence
* Sensitively considers the role of the midwife when faced with domestic violence among childbearing women