"This book is easy to read and has relevant content for student midwives, with inclusion of reflective activities which are clear and appropriate. I particularly like the vignette's which are relevant and explore the challenges that midwives face. The script-like format of these adds a further layer to the narratives, and the inclusion of non-verbal communication as well is excellent. This will be an essential text for all student midwives." Mary Beadle, Midwifery Lecturer, Faculty of Health and Social Care, University of Hull, UK"Communication Skills for Midwives is a unique book that focuses not only on fundamental communication issues, but goes much further by including the many difficult and tricky issues experienced within contemporary midwifery practice. This much needed text provides detailed and comprehensive information which is reinforced by illustrations, vignettes and activities that engage the reader from the beginning. This is an excellent resource for students, practitioners and educators." Nicky Clark, Lead Midwife for Education, University of Hull, UK "This book covers many poignant examples of difficult and challenging communication that midwives face in everyday practice ... It covers both every day aspects of care such as facilitating choice and less common experiences like responding to domestic violence ... This book is unique and would be good bedtime reading for any midwife!" Tandy Deane-Grey, Senior Midwifery Lecturer, University of Hertfordshire, UK "This comprehensive and reader friendly text ... utilises a variety of strategies to aid understanding and application to practice. Each chapter has clear aims to address a challenging situation that readers will readily identify with and provides an excellent mix of vignettes, reflective activities, text and diagrams to support the development of knowledge and skills ..." Heather Passmore, Senior Lecturer, UCS, UKThis is the first book on communication skills to explore the more challenging contexts and circumstances that midwives encounter in practice. As these occur infrequently and often unexpectedly in the daily practice of many midwives, they may find it difficult to communicate effectively to alleviate the situation. Knowing what to say and how to say it is part of this dilemma.The book uses case vignettes, reflective questions, illustrations, tools and techniques to provide the evidence base needed to cope effectively in a range of situations by offering support to enhance your communication skills.Communication Skills for Midwives explores challenges relating to: Negotiating with others within inter-professional and inter-agency teams Working with minority groupsBreaking significant news when labour threatens the life of a baby Telling parents that their baby has an abnormalityCoping with loss and bereavement Addressing issues of domestic abuse Importantly the book provides information on how thoughts and feelings may be expressed both through body language and in words. Taking a practical and problem solving approach, the book will help you to enhance your learning and improve interaction with your colleagues, the women you care for and their families.

"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.