The Nurturing Touch at Birth: A Labor Support Handbook
A wealth of information & many techniques that some of our "seasoned nurses" may have never even seen! Thanks Polly! -- Grand Island, Nebraska August 23, 2006 Lana McCoy RN,CD Great refresher for'veteran' nurses-wonderful tool for the new to OB nurses. A new primer for OB nursing!! -- National Naval Medical Center Bethesda MD Aug 23, 2006 Theresa Hart, RNC MS In this little handbook, experienced doula, childbirth educator, and author Paulina Perez has gathered in one place the collective experience of many, many birth attendants. The book contains a compilation of numerous tips and hints on how to support women through the hard work of giving birth, including relaxation and visualization techniques, touch and massage,position changes, how to talk to women in labor, and a variety of strategies and teechniques for pain relief. An extensive list of additional resources, including books, videos, and labor support tools appears at the end of the book. The book will be a valuable library addition for inexperienced doulas and childbirth educators. --  It provides concise literature review- supports evidenced-based, professional nursing practice. A "Must read" for all nurses working with laboring moms! -- WI Birth Center Milwaukee, WI August 23, 2006 Nancy Rogers, BSN,RNC Milwaukee, Wisconsin Paulina Perez is driven to promote "the courage, bravery, boldness, and tenacity that is deep inside all women" during labor and birth and emphasize the supportive care provided by caregivers. In the forward, Phyllis Klaus explains that " one of the primary tasks of a supportive caregiver is to find out where the mother is and take her where she wants to go." This handbook will assist anyone providing care during the birthing experience. The information is not explicitly directed at any one type of caregiver, although the implied focus is primarily on intrapartum nurses and professional labor assistants. This book provides many tools to the caregiver for building the trust that is essential to the professional relationship with the laboring woman. The author begins by describing the labor process and characteristics of pain. She then presents the bulk of the information: a collection of methods, techniques, and tools that can be used to attend to the support needs of the mother. The final chapter discusses strategies for inplementing these labor support techniques into all types of birth sites. --  Mother Baby Journal Polly has given us the concise and definitive guide to the comfort measures we can provide to the laboring mother. From the "caring heart" symbol appearing on the cover and throughout the pages, to the resources list at the end, The Nurturing Touch At Birth: A Labor Support Handbook is an invaluable tool for doulas. At the beginning of every chapter are inspirational and empowering quotations that remind us of the far-reaching dynamics of labor support. There are photo illustrations within the text, and a lovely poem at the end. This book is a pleasure to read and is, in itself, a valuable tool. It is through, yet concise enough to be a quick reference. May I suggest it should be a permanent addition to anyone's birth bag. -- DONA Newsletter Great refresher for'veteran' nurses-wonderful tool for the new to OB nurses. A new primer for OB nursing!! -- National Naval Medical Center Bethesda MD Aug 23, 2006 Theresa Hart, RNC MS --The Journal of Perinatal EducationSince the first edition was published in 1997, thousands of to-be mothers, nurses, doulas and other health care professionals have turned to this book for information and how-to instructions. It serves as a guide and inspiration to those experiencing childbirth and to those assisting with the experience. Childbirth can be and should be the most powerful and inspiring life event for everyone involved. The first edition was a must-read, but this second edition is must-HAVE book. Bev Deaton, 2005 President of AWHONN --Bev DeatonPaulina Perez has worked miracles once again. In this second edition, she gives the reader the tools to bring the soul of birth back to women. At this time in history with the increase in cesareans on demand and birth by technology, there is an urgent need to listen to this wise woman and follow her lead.  Celeste Phillips, RN, EdD, author of Family-Centered Maternity Care --Celeste Phillips