Nurses working together with childbearing families face a diversity new challenges, counting shortened lengths of hospital stay, the trend toward greater use of community-based and home care, and downsizing and mergers of health-care systems. This book is not only important reading for maternity nurses, but in addition can be used as an invaluable reference tool. The Eighth Edition of this popular book not only continues to emphasize the central role played by maternity nurses working together with today's childbearing families, but in addition consists of a global perspective, covering culture as a factor in relating to the woman's childbirth experience. It in addition consists of a comprehensive, accessible segment on women's health issues.