Karen Jackson

This book explores economic developments across Europe in relation to its apparent segmentation, as disparities widen between core and periphery countries. In contrast to previous literature, the scope of analysis is extended to Europe as a continent rather than confining it solely to the European Union, thereby providing the reader with greater insight into the core/periphery nexus. The authors commence with a critical appraisal of economic thinking in relation to regional trade agreements and monetary integration. In relation to a number of EU economies, the book addresses issues of a liquidity trap, deflation, and twin deficits, together with the interconnection between exchange rates and current account balances. Importantly, they extend the discussion of segmentation through a series of focused case studies on Russia, Brexit and emergence of the mega-regionals.

Complexity in childbirth is growing significantly due to several factors that include increasing maternal age, rising levels of obesity and related diabetes. Women labelled as moderate or high risk are often excluded from useful strategies that low risk women enjoy, such as using water immersion for labour, aromatherapy or mobilisation. They then can immediately follow a pathway of increased surveillance and interventions that may or may not be clinically indicated. This text offers expert guidance and specialist knowledge on the evidence for normalizing and humanizing complicated or challenging pregnancies, labours and birth. It covers a range of practice issues from multiple births to breech presentations, gestational diabetes to VBAC. Comprehensively written for midwifery students and those already in practice, it’s also useful for obstetricians and medical students who wish to provide more holistic maternity care and promote optimum childbirth. With case studies and helpful summaries of points for practice, this is the go-to text for those looking for up-to-date guidance on maximizing normal physiology and also normalizing or humanizing challenging or complex childbirth in midwifery practice. An essential read for today’s midwife. Includes a Foreword by Professor Soo Downe, University of Central Lancashire, UK." Normalizing Challenging or Complex Childbirth, edited by Karen Jackson and Helen Wightman, provides an insightful and informative perspective on an array of midwifery issues pertinent to today’s society, including: obesity, VBAC and diabetes. Karen Jackson’s first chapter 'The concept of normality in the context of challenging or complex childbirth' sets the standard for additional eminent contributing authors; and they follow with an engaging exploration and explanation of the issues which is seamless in terms of application to practice and is supported by real life case studies and key practice points. This is a must read resource for midwives, students and educators." Janet Israel, Midwifery Lecturer, Cardiff University, UK "Normalizing Challenging or Complex Childbirth provides midwives and students with a refreshingly practical and sensitive approach to caring for women when pregnancy and birth bring additional physiological challenges. New and emerging evidence on important clinical scenarios is presented with great compassion in the context of contemporary midwifery care. This book will be an important resource to midwives wishing to provide individualised sensitive care to women facing the challenge of an unexpected, or complex, pregnancy path.” Julia Sanders, PhD Consultant Midwife and Reader in Midwifery, Cardiff University, UK

"Given the increasing complexities of co-morbidities in women of childbearing age, this book provides a case study approach to several critical conditions which challenge all health care professionals working in this field. The case study approach will help midwives, doctors, midwifery and medical students to ground their clinical skills training on each specific situation by working through the questions and answer format. Of particular importance is the emphasis on inter-professional team working and the links between theory and practice." Dr. Rita Borg Xuereb, Head of Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Malta"The authors are to be commended as this is the first book of its kind and is well overdue ... The content is excellent, well referenced and covers all of the important issues ... The layout makes the book easy to read and the inclusion of pre-reading, self-assessment of knowledge and case studies engages the reader and stimulates further study into the pathophysiology and management of obstetric emergencies. I particularly liked the chapter on sepsis." Professor Christine Kettle, University Hospital of North Staffordshire & Staffordshire University, UKPart of a case book series, this book contains 14 common pregnancy and childbirth emergency scenarios to help prepare student midwives for life in practice. Each case explores and explains the pathology, pharmacology and care principles, and uses test questions and answers to help assess learning. The practical cases link theory to practice and their grounding in reality will really help bring midwifery to life. The book also:Covers the principles, pathology and skills involved in a range of birthing scenariosActs as a useful aide memoire when simulating managing care proceduresDemonstrates the importance of inter-professional team working in problem-solvingUses tables, diagrams and textboxes throughout, which act as a useful reference pointMidwifery Practice is essential reading for student midwives, medical students and paramedics and a valuable resource for health professionals pursuing postgraduate studies in high dependency/ critical care. It is also beneficial to the facilitation of maternity based OSCEs. Contributors: Sam Bharmal, Susan Brydon, Margaret Ramsay, Jane Rutherford, Andrew Sim