Complementary Therapies for Pregnancy and Childbirth

Comprehensively introduces the following range of complementary therapies: massage and aromatherapy; reflexology; water births; shiatsu herbal medicine; homoeopathy; acupuncture; and osteopathy. There are also chapters on dealing with stress, and attitudes to complementary medicine.

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An increasing number of women are using complementary therapies during pregnancy and childbirth. This has led to a dramatic increase in the degree to which midwives need to be aware of such therapies in order to provide informed, holistic care. This research-based textbook written specifically for midwives comprehensively introduces the following range of complementary therapies: massage and aromatherapy; reflexology; water births; shiatsu herbal medicine; homoeopathy; acupuncture; and osteopathy. There are also chapters on dealing with stress, and attitudes to complementary medicine. Furthermore, it examines not only the range of applications in pregnancy and labour, but also to newborn babies, where relevant. Legal and practice issues, to conform with the professional bodies' standards and regulations, are also explored.