
Communication in Midwifery
Theory and Practice
- 1st Edition - March 14, 2023
- Editor: Tania Staras
- Language: English
- Paperback ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 3 2 3 - 8 8 3 9 9 - 3
- eBook ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 3 2 3 - 9 3 1 0 1 - 4
Kind, honest and open communication is at the heart of midwifery care and maternity practice, and is vital in providing safe, person-centred care.This new book explores communicat… Read more

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Request a sales quoteKind, honest and open communication is at the heart of midwifery care and maternity practice, and is vital in providing safe, person-centred care.
This new book explores communication in midwifery from a range of perspectives and across different settings. It considers the theoretical and practical dimensions of communication, including how and why we communicate and who we communicate with. It uses case studies and practical examples to put ideas into real-world context and to explore topic areas in ways which are thought-provoking, accessible and useful to practitioners.
Above all, Communication in Midwifery supports midwives in developing their theoretical understanding around communication and building a practical toolkit of ideas and strategies for use in a range of settings and with diverse groups of people. It helps midwives and other caregivers in navigating the nuanced and complex situations they encounter every day where clear, honest and collaborative communication is vital.
- Covers communication in pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period; the use of written, verbal and non-verbal approaches; and complex scenarios where communication may be challenging, such as diverse groups, trauma and loss
- Explores new methods of communicating, including the use of the internet and social media, and their benefits and challenges
- Highlights the importance of communication between professions and ways this can be enhanced
- Covers contemporary issues of consent, risk and safety in maternity care
- Useful at all stages of a midwife’s career from undergraduate to qualified midwife
- Cover Image
- Title page
- Table of Contents
- Copyright
- Preface
- Contributors
- Acknowledgements
- Chapter 1. Introduction
- How to Use This Book
- What You Will Find in This Book
- Part 1: Theories and Concepts
- Part 2: Responsive Communication
- Part 3: Communication in Practice
- Part 4: Professional Communication and Personal Development
- References
- Chapter 2. On the Receiving End: The Service User’s Perspective
- Introduction
- Beyond the Tick Box
- Getting to Know You
- Shaping the Mood
- Concluding Thoughts
- References
- Part 1: Theories and Concepts
- Chapter 3. Principles of Communication
- Introduction
- What Is Communication?
- Why Does it Matter to Midwives?
- A Brief History of Communication in Maternity Care
- Professional Communication
- Conclusion
- References
- Resources
- Chapter 4. Theories of Communication and Counselling
- Introduction
- Models of Communication
- What Is Counselling?
- Conclusion
- References
- Resources
- Chapter 5. Communicating Ideas
- Introduction
- Health Communication
- Risk
- Human Rights
- Complexity
- Uncertainty
- The Moral Dimension—Doing Good by Stealth?
- Conclusion
- References
- Resources
- Part 2: Responsive Communication
- Chapter 6. Culturally Competent Communication
- Introduction
- Cultural Awareness
- Cultural Understanding
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Cultural Competence
- Conclusion
- References
- Further Reading
- Websites
- YouTube Videos
- Chapter 7. Public Health
- Introduction
- Challenges in Public Health Communication
- Public Health and Midwifery
- Communication in Public Health Midwifery
- Considering Actions, Understanding the Situation, Working in Context
- Targeted Approaches to Public Health Communication
- Conclusion
- References
- Further Reading and Resources
- Specific Websites
- Key/Seminal Texts
- Chapter 8. Communication and Complex Care Planning
- Limitations of Routine Antenatal Care
- Multidisciplinary Perspectives
- Common Complex Care Planning Cases
- Conclusion
- References
- Resources
- Chapter 9. Communication Around Loss and Trauma
- Introduction
- Setting the Scene
- In the Thick of It
- Debriefing and Counselling
- Professional Support, Debriefing and Resilience
- Conclusion
- References
- Resources
- Part 3: Communication in Practice
- Chapter 10. Pregnancy
- #Hellomynameis
- Departures
- Beginnings: Bookings
- Continuing the Journey: Screening
- Destinations: Birth Planning and Preferences
- Final Thoughts
- References
- Resources
- Chapter 11. Labour
- Introduction
- Telephone Triage and Compassionate Communication in Early Labour
- Communication and Attunement During Established Labour and Birth
- Communication in the Immediate Postbirth Period
- Informed Consent in Labour and Birth
- Information Exchange, Handover and Documentation
- Documentation
- Conclusion
- References
- Resources
- Chapter 12. The Postnatal Period and Infant Feeding
- Introduction
- Body Image and Postnatal Recovery
- Postnatal Space as Transitional
- Sleeping Like a Baby
- Infant Feeding
- Birth Trauma
- References
- Resources
- Part 4: Professional Communication and Personal Development
- Chapter 13. Communicating With Others
- Introduction
- Definitions and Principles
- Speaking Versus Silence
- Handovers
- Professional Support and Debriefing
- Complaints and Investigations
- Accountability in Midwifery
- Conclusion
- References
- Resources
- Chapter 14. Spreading the Word
- Introduction
- Communicating Beyond the Bedside
- The Student–Practitioner Relationship
- Reaching Out
- Telling Your Stories
- Conclusion
- References
- Resources
- Chapter 15. Reflection, Development and Challenges in Communication
- Introduction
- You as a Practitioner
- Reflection, Support and Goal Setting
- Contemporary and Future Challenges—Responsive Communication
- Conclusion
- References
- Resources
- Chapter 16. Conclusion
- Key Ideas and Principles
- A Final Thought
- Index
- Language: English
- Edition: 1
- Published: March 14, 2023
- Imprint: Elsevier
- Paperback ISBN: 9780323883993
- eBook ISBN: 9780323931014
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