Each year, neonatal Intensive care units (NICUs) in the U.S. and around the world help thousands of sick or premature newborns survive. NICUs are committed to the ideals of family-centered care, which encourages shared decision-making between parents and NICU caregivers. In cases of infants with conditions marked by high mortality, morbidity, or great suffering, family-centered care affirms the right of parents to assist in making decisions regarding aggressive treatment for their infant. Often, these parents' difficult and intimate decisions are shaped profoundly by their religious beliefs. In light of this, what precisely are the teachings of the major world religious traditions about the status and care of the premature or sick newborn? Few studies have grappled with what major religious traditions teach about the care of the newborn or how these teachings may bear on parents' decisions. This volume seeks to fill this gap, providing information on religious teachings about the newborn to the multidisciplinary teams of NICU professionals (neonatologists, advance practice nurses, social workers), as well as to parents of NICU patients, and students of bioethics. In chapters dealing with Judaism, Catholicism, Denominational Protestantism, Evangelical Protestantism, African American Protestantism, Sunni and Shi'a Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Navajo religion, and Seventh Day Adventism, leading scholars develop the teachings of these traditions on the status, treatment, and ritual accompaniments of care of the premature or sick newborn. This is an essential book that will serve as a first resort for clinicians who need to understand the religious dynamics influencing anyone making a difficult decision about her sick newborn.

"Sent Before My Time" is an exploration of the workings of a neo natal intensive care unit from a child psychotherapist's point of view. It examines the relationships between the babies, the parents and the staff.

Midwives are encountering more and more women whose pregnancies are complicated by medical conditions, including cardiac disease, obesity and diabetes. This new edition is completely up-to-date and offers highly practical solutions for everyday midwifery practice, acknowledging the importance of promoting normality where possible. This text includes physiology, explanations of conditions and principles of care for preconception, pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period. Each chapter brings together the basic knowledge of a condition and how it changes during pregnancy in an integrated and accessible way, including a new chapter dedicated to obesity. Explanations of laboratory tests, diagnostic tests, common drugs and illustrative colour pictures are included in relevant chapters. Medical Conditions Affecting Pregnancy and Childbirth is a vital guide for student midwives, as well as a useful reference for practising midwives.

'Fascinating and moving.' - Adam Kay, author of This is Going to Hurt A BBC Radio 4 A Good Read choice This is a story about the cutting-edge medicine that has saved a generation of babies. It's about the love and fear a parent feels for a child they haven't yet met. It's about doctors, mothers, fathers and babies as together they fight for the first breath. The First Breath is a book about motherhood and medicine. Olivia Gordon decided to find out how, exactly, modern science saved her son's life. Crossing medical memoir with popular science, The First Breath is an investigation into the pioneering fetal and neonatal care bringing a new generation into the world, who would not have lived if they had been born only a few decades ago. The First Breath explores the female experience of medicine and details the relationship mothers develop with doctors who hold not only life and death in their hands, but also the very possibility of birth. From the dawn of fetal medicine to neonatal surgery and the exploding field of perinatal genetics, The First Breath tells of fear, bravery and love. Olivia Gordon takes the reader behind the closed doors of the fetal and neonatal intensive care units, resuscitation rooms and operating theatres at some of the world's leading children's hospitals, unveiling the untold story of how doctors save the sickest babies.

This book describes control of ventilation during sleep in both health and disease states. The topics are presented in a fashion that can be easily comprehended with many figures to illustrate complex concepts. Thus, a wide range of topics, starting from the site of normal respiratory rhythm generation to chemoreceptor control of sleep apnea, description of the apneic threshold, pathophysiology of upper airway closure, novel techniques to measure control of breathing, effect of cerebral blood flow on breathing, effect of opioids on ventilation, effect of heart failure on ventilation, genetic aspects of breathing disorders, age and gender differences, and various therapies are discussed. Key Features * Helps to bridge the gap between straight forward physiology and clinical practice through a range of topics and use of case vignettes * Explores various aspects of clinical management and control which is beneficial to sleep clinicians, respiratory physiologists, intensivists, trainees, and researchers. * Distills complex concepts into understandable language and figures, providing helping resource to the clinicians, that transforms a dry topic vis a viz control of ventilation into an exciting understandable 'clinician' language.

This is the premiere clinical textbook on neonatal ultrasound diagnosis. Profusely illustrated, including Doppler sonographs in color, it contains eleven original new chapters by prominent clinician-teachers from America s foremost medical schools and teaching hospitals. The entire text focuses on definitive, clinically relevant, how-to information on normal neonatal head ultrasound, congenital malformations of the brain, sonography in periventricular leukomalacia and intraventricular hemorrhage, ultrasound of the neonatal gastrointestinal tract, sonographic evaluation of the neonatal biliary system, the neonatal adrenal gland, kidney abnormalities including embryogenesis and imaging appearance, neonatal hydronephrosis, sonography of the neonatal ovary, developmental displacement of the neonatal hip, and sonography of the neonatal spinal canal.

Written by many of the world's leading lactation experts, the Textbook of Human Lactation incorporates evidence-based scientific knowledge to address key topics of importance in breastfeeding such as Anatomy and Biochemistry, Immunobiology, Breastfeeding Management in Infant and Mother, Maternal and Infant Nutrition, and Medications and Breastfeeding. Specific and detailed information is provided on the following: Complete description of the anatomy and physiology of the lactating breast Detailed explanation of the immunobiology of human milk Description of difficult syndromes and conditions in the infant and breastfeeding mother, and how to overcome these challenges Thorough discussion of the of the emotional and physiological component of breastfeeding, especially as it relates to mother/infant co-sleeping Detailed description of the nutritional competition and components of human milk Explanation of the science of drug transport into human milk, and the use of medications in breastfeeding mothers Discusses breastfeeding in the context of important topics such as infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), vitamin D, birth spacing, and family planning.

This book deals with the management of labour, guiding the readers to recognize problems by keen monitoring, based on anatomical and physiological understanding of labour. In this era of technology, this book revives the fading art of identification of clinical signs and symptoms. The chapters are well-structured, covering different aspects from suspicion to identification of the problems by recognizing subtle warning signals by the fetus and the uterus. Operative deliveries and common obstetric emergencies with their appropriate management are also covered. It provides practical points to prevent, anticipate, recognize, and manage problems during labour. Key Features Helps to identify clinical signs and symptoms that infuses the reader with confidence to identify and manage abnormal situations during labour and childbirth through the feel of their fingers and awakened understanding. A must have book for all postgraduate trainees and practitioners of obstetrics, eager to learn the fundamentals of labour management. Features illustrated cases helpful in learning management of normal labour and pick abnormal labour, at the earliest possible deviation from normalcy.

Developed by the leading experts in neonatal simulation, this innovative new resource delivers neonatology health care providers and educators essential guidance on designing, developing, and implementing simulation-based neonatal education programs. The early chapters cover learning theory, fundamentals of scenario design, and simulation and the Neonatal Resuscitation Program*. The later chapters cover specific applications of simulation in neonatology and debriefing techniques. The book walks the reader through scenario design, mannequins and task trainers, moulage, simulation techniques, virtual simulations, mannequin adaptations needed to conduct specific simulation procedures, debriefing methods, and more. Step-by-step images walk the reader through adapting mannequins to simulate procedures and how to replicate body fluids and conditions commonly encountered in newborns. With 225 color images, as well as plenty of helpful boxes and tables throughout, the book will be useful to both novice and expert. More than 30 chapters include In situ simulation Simulation and the Neonatal Resuscitation Program Mannequins and Task Trainers Boot Camps Debriefing in Simulation-based Training Simulation Operations And more...

Placental Toxicology examines placental transfer and toxicology of drugs and environmental agents to placenta, as well as to fetus. For the first time in a single volume, placental and fetal consequences of exposure of pregnant women to drugs, environmental chemicals, and infections, such as HIV, are discussed. Topics include:
The art of in vitro perfusion of human placenta
Abuse of alcohol, nicotine, morphine, and cocaine during pregnancy, their placental transfer and fetal growth retardation
Placental transfer and fetal toxicities of environmental insecticides
Placental hormones and fetal well-being
Placental transfer of HIV and treatment of pregnant women with anti-HIV drugs

Thoroughly revised and updated, this new edition of Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing is a comprehensive, evidence-based text for nurses and allied health professionals caring for sick newborn infants. This user-friendly text focuses on the common problems and related care occurring within the neonatal specialty. All previous chapters have been thoroughly updated and new content includes chapters on, for example, organisation of neonatal care, assessment of the neonate, the premature and low birth weight neonate as well as palliative care. In addition, the book now includes a broad and in-depth web-based companion comprising online resources, case studies with answer guides and learning activities. This accessible and interactive approach enables nurses to recognise, rationalise and understand clinical problems using an evidence-based approach. Divided into four parts, the book provides an overview of neonatal care, and a detailed look at the physical and emotional wellbeing of neonate and family, a range of clinical aspects of neonatal care, and key practices and procedures. Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing will be essential reading for both new and experienced nurses, allied health professionals and students learning about neonatal care including those undertaking qualifications in the neonatal specialism and pre-registration students taking relevant modules or placements.

Good intentions to do our best in healthcare are not enough. Healthcare professionals need to know how to close the gap between best evidence and practice, by understanding and applying quality improvement principles and processes. Improving Healthcare is a practical guide, providing healthcare staff with the knowledge and skills that enable them to implement, evaluate and disseminate a quality improvement project in their own workplace. With a comprehensive coverage, chapters cover the history, selection and application of quality improvement philosophies and methods in clinical healthcare at team, unit, organisational and system levels. The book also considers social processes of implementation as well as technical aspects of measuring and improving quality. As an essential guide for healthcare practitioners at any level who are new to service improvement, Improving Healthcare includes practical examples and case studies of healthcare improvements that illustrate the concepts discussed.

A study of the mother and father's internal world during the first four months of their premature baby's life. It also explains the baby's situation and the effects on staff. Most important are the implications of handling the parents of premature infants in a way that will counter the trauma they have suffered and give them and their child a better start in life. The book provides information on emotional care for both parent and infant, and is rich in clinical material. It contains information from 216 first-hand interviews with parents, and expresses theoretical constructs from many professionals.

This innovative deck provides primary care professionals with expert guidance on caring for newborns. Topics span everything from prenatal assessment to delivery and newborn evaluation, as well as feeding, general concerns, newborn illness, birth anomalies and skin lesions, specialized NICU care, preterm and full-term newborn concerns, and more. A series of illustrative boxes, tables, checklists, images, reference ranges, key principles, and supportive text are included in this handy deck. Topics Include Prenatal Assessment Delivery and Newborn Assessment Feeding General Newborn Concerns Newborn Respiratory Management Newborn Illness Other Birth Anomalies Newborn Skin Lesions Specialized Care Preterm/Early-Term Newborns And more...

A concise introduction to the principles and practice of point-of-care echocardiography for neonatologists Practical Neonatal Echocardiography is based on an acclaimed course that the authors havetaught for the past 15 years at USC training neonatologists in cardiac ultrasound ofneonatal patients for on-the-spot examination and diagnosis. Drs. Siassiand Noori have trained hundreds of physicians to use ultrasound equipment toexamine neonatal cardiac function at the first sign of distress, leading to fasterdiagnosis and referral to pediatric cardiologists for treatment. This book is designed to helpreaders develop the skills necessary to perform a high quality neonatalechocardiographic examination, evaluate cardiac function, and recognizeabnormalities and defects. Practical Neonatal Echocardiography begins with an introduction to the basic principles of echocardiography and the ultrasound scanners commonly used at pediatric cardiac centers. Neonatal cardiac anatomy is clearly described through the use of 2-dimensional images andvideo clips. Subsequent chapters teach the assessment of cardiac function, bloodflow, shunts, physical defects, and abnormalities that may exist in the absence of adefect. Myocardial dysfunction, heart failure, shock, hypertension, cardiomyopathy,cyanosis, and more are discussed in detail with multiple illustrative cases. *Integrated throughout the chapters are 110 video clips, which when looped, will display a beating heart. These real-life cases will help readers hone their skills in recognizing defects in cardiac function and growth.*Covers essential principles of echocardiography with clear descriptions and illustrations*Describes common features of ultrasound scanners and how to use them

This book is an excellent summary of contemporary knowledge of the clinical pathogenesis and manifestations of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and birth asphyxia.

This text presents a state-of-the-art review of asphyxial brain injury to the fetus and new born, a leading source of both neonatal mortality and long-term neurologic disability. Beginning with an historical overview of birth-related injury, followed by an epidemiologic review of the relationship of birth injury to later neuromotor disability, it provides a detailed analysis and exhaustive review of each aspect. The contributors are among the most knowledgeable international authorities in the field; they have synthesized a uniformity of medical and scientific quality, clarity of style, and thoroughness of scope. Continual emphasis is placed on the material's relevance and usefulness to clinicians; equally important is the emphasis on communication between clinicians and basic neuroscientists.

The book's first section provides an overview of the history and epidemiology of birth-related brain injury and its relationship to later neuromotor disability. The next section examines mechanisms of injury from a cellular and molecular perspective, including: and examination of the neurotoxic cascade; cytokine-mediated brain damage; the roles of glucose and acidsosis on neuronal injury; cerebral energy depletion; apoptosis and necrosis; the roles of neuronal and vascular nitric oxide; and free radical-mediated processes. The following section deals with clinical birth asphyxia, and includes chapters on prenatal injury, intrapartum injury, clinical management, neuroimaging, and hypothermia as a potential intervention. The lastsection discusses the medico-legal aspects of asphyxial brain injury. Throughout the various chapters, the authors have preserved the important context of normal development, with an emphasis on the need for fundamental pathogenetic data, to allow for rational approaches to prevention and treatment.

The task of paediatricians and neonatologists in coming years will be to better understand the mechanism of brain damage, the prediction of disability, and the introduction of efficacious neuroprotective strategies. To that end, this volume deserves wide recognition by physicians in all disciplines related to neonatal care, including paediatricians, neonatologists, neurologists, obstetricians, family practitioners, nurses and legal counsel.

Decision-making pervades all aspects of midwifery practice across the world. Midwifery is informed by a number of decision-making theories, but it is sometimes difficult to marry these theories with practice. This book provides a comprehensive exploration of decision-making for midwives irrespective of where in the world they practice or in which model of care. The first part critically reviews decision-making theories, including the Enhancing Decision-making Assessment in Midwifery (EDAM) tool, and their relevance to midwifery. It explores the links between midwifery governance, including professional regulation and the law, risk and safety and decision-making as well as how critical thinking and reflection are essential elements of decision-making. It then goes on to present a number of diverse case studies, demonstrating how they interrelate to and impact upon optimal midwifery decision-making. Each chapter presents examples that show how the theory translates into practice and includes activities to reinforce learning points. Bringing together a diverse range of contributors, this volume will be essential reading for midwifery students, practising midwives and midwifery academics.