Recent anthropological scholarship on "new midwifery" centers on how professional midwives in various countries are helping women reconnect with "nature," teaching them to trust in their bodies, respecting women's "choices," and fighting for women's right to birth as naturally as possible. In No Alternative, Rosalynn A. Vega uses ethnographic accounts of natural birth practices in Mexico to complicate these narratives about new midwifery and illuminate larger questions of female empowerment, citizenship, and the commodification of indigenous culture, by showing how alternative birth actually reinscribes traditional racial and gender hierarchies. Vega contrasts the vastly different birthing experiences of upper-class and indigenous Mexican women. Upper-class women often travel to birthing centers to be delivered by professional midwives whose methods are adopted from and represented as indigenous culture, while indigenous women from those same cultures are often forced by lack of resources to use government hospitals regardless of their preferred birthing method. Vega demonstrates that women's empowerment, having a "choice," is a privilege of those capable of paying for private medical services-albeit a dubious privilege, as it puts the burden of correctly producing future members of society on women's shoulders. Vega's research thus also reveals the limits of citizenship in a neoliberal world, as indigeneity becomes an object of consumption within a transnational racialized economy.

'If you're having a baby this is a MUST READ. Get the birth you want whatever path you choose' Davina McCall 'This is an amazing book. It should be read by everybody having a baby and anyone providing care around birth' Lesley Page, President of The Royal College of Midwives 'Beverley Turner is at the forefront of a new generation leading birth into the future . . . The Happy Birth Book is a must-have for every pregnant woman and every midwife' Professor Caroline Flint, midwife, NCT teacher and trustee, Past President of The Royal College of Midwives Pregnancy, birth and the early weeks of being a parent can be incredibly overwhelming. It's a very special time and should be a joyful and empowering experience. Yet the conflicting advice about pregnancy, labour and parenting can leave your head spinning - and make it highly unlikely you will get the birth you want. Until now. In The Happy Birth Book, Beverley Turner, with the help of midwife Pam Wild, lays out all the facts about pregnancy, birth and new parenthood. Covering everything from scans to stretch marks, hypnobirthing to pain relief, as well as specific advice for partners, The Happy Birth Book will be there for you every step of the way. Whether you're in the early months of pregnancy and are anxious about the whole process, or you're under pressure to make decisions about your upcoming labour, The Happy Birth Book cuts through all the mixed messages and urban myths surrounding birth to give you straightforward, evidence-based advice which will help you and your partner to choose the path to parenthood that is right for you. So what are you waiting for? Dive in - and start preparing for the happiest day of your life.

"Psychology for Midwives"" is an excellent aid in grasping the key concepts of psychology in a focused way, clearly demonstrating how the key concepts can be used within modern day midwifery practice settings. This is an easy to use, informative guide, with up to date sources of evidence."
Kimberley Skinner, Student Midwife, Anglia Ruskin University, UK

"Communication isn't just about giving information. It is about creating relationships. This book is studded with academic references, but can also help midwives understand and interact with their clients in a satisfying way."
Sheila Kitzinger, Honorary Professor at the University of West London, UK (formally Thames Valley University)

"A well set out book comprising a comprehensive list of relevant contents ... Of particular note is the use of case vinaigrettes, stories, reflective activities and summaries of key points ... The content of the book reflect a range of contemporary theoretical approaches and subject areas."
Maria Barrell, University of Northumbria, UK"

""This is an excellent book which focuses on the underlying psychological factors that influence and guide women through pregnancy, childbirth and puerperium. There are clear descriptions of relevant theories and current research, supported by case studies which offer real life insight into issues such as how women feel during and after pregnancy ... The book covers areas that will affect everyone such as the development of relationships and emotions, covering not only the women but their support networks including family and birth partners."
Jane Mills, Student Midwife, Keele University, UK"

This accessible, evidence-based book explores how important it is for midwives to understand the psychological aspects of care, in order to create positive experiences for mothers and families. The book provides simple explanations for why psychological care matters in midwifery practice and uses different theoretical perspectives of psychology to illustrate how it fundamentally contributes to good midwifery practice.

The book addresses many core concepts and principles of psychology, including: Mother-midwife relationship Emotions during the childbearing continuum Perinatal mental illness Communications in midwifery practice The birth environment Stress and anxiety Providing support to families Attachment and bonding Reflective questions, activities, illustrations, tables, summary boxes and a glossary help readers navigate the book.

One of the first books of its kind, "Psychology for Midwives" is essential reading for all midwives, students and allied health care professionals interested in the psychological dimensions of childbearing.

This full-colour book provides midwives with highly practical, readily accessible information on the wide range of infections affecting pregnancy and childbirth. It comprehensively outlines the vital role of the midwife in infection, including prevention, identification of high-risk individuals, educational opportunities, signs and symptoms, sample collection, screening and ongoing care.