Pregnancy and Birth Sourcebook, 2d ed

AORN Journal,  Feb, 2006  by Elizabeth A. Austin

• E-mail
• Print
• Link

Pregnancy and Birth Sourcebook second ed Amy L. Sutton, ed 2004, 626 pages $78 hardcover

Comprehensive, high-quality health information that is useful to both health care professionals and laypeople sometimes can be difficult to find. This book is an encyclopedic compendium of basic and advanced information for those seeking to learn about "conditions that affect women throughout the prenatal, antenatal, and post-natal periods." The editor has organized the topics sequentially, progressing from preparation for pregnancy to post-partum issues and newborn care. The content is general in scope, and the text refers readers searching for information on more complex issues to professionals for consultation.

The book is part of a health reference series. The advisory board consists of medical librarians and a physician. Content is derived from a wide variety of sources, ranging from governmental health agencies, medical and specialty organizations, and medical web sites. The broad range of references and comprehensive glossary cover normal expectations, common complications, and variations.

The book does have a few weaknesses. For one, the list of suggested questions to ask when considering whether to hire a midwife far exceed those noted to ask a prospective physician. Another is that the list of comparative definitions of childbirth education incorrectly defines the goal of the Bradley method as "the avoidance of use of medications unless absolutely necessary." The accepted definition also includes the concept of labor as muscle energy instead of pain.

This all-inclusive, compact book is written in plain English, so it can be easily understood by any level of reader.

This book is a valuable reference for laypeople, medical librarians, and health care professionals seeking a ready, desktop resource that is thorough and up to date on pregnancy and birth issues.

This book is available from Omnigraphics, 615 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226.

ELIZABETH A. AUSTIN

RN, BSN, CNOR

STAFF NURSE

ST LUKE'S MEDICAL CENTER

JACKSONVILLE, FLA

COPYRIGHT 2006 Association of Operating Room Nurses, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning