The birth of a baby is the culmination of months of anticipation and plan ning. Most often, mother and infant are healthy and readily able to estab lish close contact-a bond. However, in some situations either mother or baby or both present complications. The more prompt and rational the treatment, the sooner the normal parent-infant relationship will commence. This book is devoted exclusively to the first days following birth. In its 15 chapters, postpartum and postnatal physiology and pathophy[ i:.;logy are reviewed by 18 specialists. Normal and abnormal development of mother and child is correlated with proven means of clinical management. Chapters 1 through 3 cover maternal postpartum developments and complications. Chapter 4 stresses the importance of a normal parent newborn relationship, a concept of increasing concern in modern society. The following ten chapters discuss neonatal physiology and pathophysi ology; the effects of obstetric anesthesia on infant behavior, pulmonary function measurements in the postnatal period and treatment of the sick newborn are discussed in detail. The final chapter reviews maternal and perinatal mortality; the data, based on extensive surveys in New York City, indicate that current management is effecting an overall decline in mortality.

The NHS Experience is an accessible and engaging guide for all those journeying through the NHS, whether as patients, carers or professionals. It draws on the experience of staff and families at Great Ormond Street Hospital to provide good practice guidance for both users and providers of health care. Based on the successful Snakes and Ladders drama programme developed at Great Ormond Street Hospital, this unique book uses the story of Daniel, a fictional child with the life-limiting disease cystic fibrosis, to provide insight into the enormous challenges faced by patients, their families and the professionals involved in their care. Asking difficult questions about how we can improve the NHS experience for everyone at the front line, Daniel's story builds on information from a wealth of sources to highlight: the practical, ethical, resource and financial dilemmas integral to the NHS the vital issues around communication, trust, management of clinical errors, consent, shared decision-making and bereavement the realities of fragmented care, bed shortages, uncertain diagnoses, and complex and difficult treatment choices. This is a book that should be read by all healthcare professionals and everyone who uses the NHS.