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Disability in pregnancy and childbirth Julie Brown, midwifery practice leader in antenatal education at St Thomas’ Hospital, London, UK, reviews Disability in pregnancy and childbirth by Stella McKay-Moffat. 2007, Liverpool, Elsevier Health Sciences, ISBN 0443103186 Price: £24.99. This is a welcome resource for anyone who is involved in the care of a pregnant disabled woman. Although primarily aimed at midwives, it would also be useful for other health professionals. I enjoyed reading this book – written by lecturers in midwifery or health-related topics, or specialist midwives/disability advisors – as it helped to broaden my knowledge and makes for a very enlightening read. Each chapter examines different aspects of pregnancy from the dual perspective of the pregnant woman and maternity services – with particular emphasis on the midwife’s role as advocate in the woman’s care – and ends with a useful reference section. The book begins by exploring the sociological view of disability and motherhood, giving information about stereotypes and the social and medical models of disability. Chapter two covers women’s health, sexuality, sexual health and contraception, and provides a reference table, photographs and diagrams about methods of contraception. Chapter three discusses a literature review and includes quotations of women’s experiences of maternity services. The emphasis is on the need for care to be flexible and individualised. Some suggestions are given about how accessibility can be improved with appropriate signage, equipment and use of height-adjustable beds, cots and incubators. Other chapters suggest how good communication skills can make all the difference between a good and bad experience of services for the woman. There is a section discussing both the qualitative and quantitative studies carried out by the author assessing knowledge, experience, skills and attitudes of midwives in relation to care of disabled women. For midwives who meet British Sign Language (BSL) users, there are chapters with some diagrams included which demonstrate communication using BSL, although these should not be used as a substitute for professional BSL training. There is also a helpful guide for health professionals, which details the significance of particular disabilities in pregnancy and childbirth including the most likely used or recommended medication or treatment for each type of disability. The final chapter provides a list of resources including details of practitioners who can be contacted to discuss best practice and services in their local area. There is supplementary information in this chapter that can be photocopied and given to women and their partner on contraception, sexual health and preconception care. Throughout the book the message is clear that the midwife is well placed to be a strong advocate for disabled women and is in a key position to liaise among health professionals, ensuring that the woman receives continuity of care throughout pregnancy and early parenthood. |
