The Labor Progress Handbook: Early Interventions to Prevent and Treat Dystocia (Paperback)

by Penny Simkin (Author), Ruth Ancheta (Author) "Labor dystocia, dysfunctional labor, failure to progress, arrest of labor, arrested descent - all these terms refer to slow or no progress in labor, which..." (more)
Key Phrases: emotional dystocia, prolonged active labor, mind during that contraction, New York, Oxford University Press, North America (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"This is a concise and valuable handbook.... The Labor Progress Handbook belongs in every lab coat pocket, in every birth room, and at all of our finger-tips as we help women to labor as normally as possible." (Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health)

"Any book supporting the normal progress of labour is welcome; this one provides many interesting and practical tips, particularly in relation to psycho-social support measures."
Helen Cheyne, University of Stirling

Product Description
Dystocia or failure to progress in labor is the main reason for cesarean deliveries. The second edition of this successful text focuses on simple non-invasive interventions to prevent or treat difficult labor. It describes positions, movements and techniques based on principles of anatomy, physiology and psychology of childbirth.

The Labor Progress Handbook is organized by stage of labor for easy reference, enabling the care giver to quickly identify appropriate low cost, low risk interventions and treat dystocia effectively, at an early stage before it becomes severe. The new edition has been thoroughly revised and updated and includes a new chapter on assessing progress in labor, together with new sections on managing labor pain, normal labor and additional positions and maneuvers. The rationale for all techniques is included based on the authors' clinical experience and wherever possible on the underlying evidence base.

* New edition of essential resource for anyone caring for women in labor

* Brings Together a wealth of evidence-based information and clinical expertise

* 'Focuses on non-invasive techniques to assist the progress of labor

* Emphasis on maternal comfort, support and safety

* Encourages thoughtful, evidence-based diagnosis and intervention

* Contains clear and simple illustrations, which complement the text

From Reviews:

'The focus of support, position, maternal comfort, and safety is one that should be used by anyone caring for laboring women. It encourages thoughtful diagnosis and intervention in an ordered and sensible manner.'
--Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing (on the first edition)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell; 2 edition (October 21, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 140512217X
• ISBN-13: 978-1405122177
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #34,697 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #6 in	Books > Business & Investing > Popular Economics > Labor Policy
  #11 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Exercise & Fitness > Injury Prevention
  #16 in	Books > Business & Investing > Economics > Labor & Industrial Relations

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Birth professionals: Don't leave home without this book!, November 5, 2000

By	Henci Goer "author of The Thinking Woman's Gu... - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Labor Progress Handbook: Early Interventions to Prevent and Treat Dystocia (Paperback)

Every once in awhile, a book on childbirth comes along that is a standout. The Labor Progress Handbook is one of those books, but what else would one expect from Penny Simkin and Ruth Ancheta? The authors have produced a lucid, logical, beautifully organized, clearly written, bounteously illustrated, meticulously documented book that gives birth professionals a systematic, practical basis to prevent, diagnose, and treat poor progress in labor. Approaching dystocia holistically, the authors consider the effects of the woman's emotional state, her environment, and the impact of hospital or caregiver policies and attitudes in addition to the standard "powers, passage, passenger" explanation for labor progress. And they are woman centered: the laboring woman is the active agent in resolving difficulties, and the unacceptability of a recommendation always contraindicates its use. If you teach about labor, care for laboring women, or work as a doula or birth assistant, you should--no, must--read this book.

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The book for anyone involved in childbirth!, May 3, 2000

By	Alicia Huntley CNM MSN (concord, nh USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Labor Progress Handbook: Early Interventions to Prevent and Treat Dystocia (Paperback)

This deceptively slim book is jam-packed with useful information that can be used by just about anyone involved in childbirth today. I have recommended it be added as a textbook to the midwifery program where I teach, and I am planning to purchase a copy for the nursing station of the hospital where I work. The illustrations are very informative, the text is well organized, and the suggestions are well-documented both from research and from anecdotal evidence.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bravo!, March 31, 2000

By	Ann Grauer "annidoula" (Wauwatosa, WI United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Labor Progress Handbook: Early Interventions to Prevent and Treat Dystocia (Paperback)

At last, a book for all birth professionals that is concise, informative and in an "easy-to-look-up" format! There is a bibliography at the end of each chapter, allowing the professional to give citations to clients and to allow her to actually read the studies if she so chooses.

The size of the book makes it easy for a doula to throw into her birth bag or for a nurse to have handy on a labor and delivery unit. The amount of information packed into its' size is incredible.

I now heartily recommend this book to all of my birthing friends and doulas who take my training. Bravo, Penny and Ruth! And thanks for making the evidence easier to access!