Nursing and Midwifery: A Public Health Perspective

Nursing is concerned with the prevention of illness, promotion of health, and care of the ill, disabled and dying. Midwifery is a health profession concerned with the provision of healthcare in childbirth, pregnancy, the postpartum period and care of the newborn. Nursing has a wide scope in terms of its reach in diverse areas, such as women's health, neonatal care, pediatrics, adult gerontology, etc. Midwifery-led care has been associated with fewer episiotomies, reduction in the use of epidurals and a decreased risk of losing the baby before 24 weeks of gestation. However, it has also been associated with increased mean length of labor. A midwife is responsible for conducting routine checkups, tests and examinations during the three trimesters of pregnancy, informing a mother about birthing options, assisting with childbirth, and infant and mother assessment. This book aims to shed light on some of the unexplored aspects of nursing and midwifery and the recent researches in these domains. The various studies that are constantly contributing towards advancing technologies and evolution of these fields are examined in detail. It aims to equip students and experts with the advanced topics and upcoming concepts in these disciplines.