CPD

Individual Support for Parents during Pregnancy and Birth

Book Details

Paperback, 208 pages, 98 illustrations Published by Elsevier August 2003 Books for Midwives ISBN 0 7506 5523 2 Price £19.99

Contents
Foreword by Tricia Anderson / Preface / Introduction / Section 1: Professional Issues / Section 2: Yin and Yang - applying eastern theory to midwifery / Section 3: Hands on shiatsu - practical applications / Section 4: How can shiatsu help midwives / Appendices: Glossary of Japanese terms, Research references, Contact lists for training.

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Independent review by Midwifery Today

Review by Tamsin Grainger (PDF)

Introduction
I wrote this book because there aren't many good books available on the use of any complementary therapies in pregnancy and birth, especially on shiatsu or massage. I hope that it will appeal not only to midwives, who may want to use it in their work, but also shiatsu and massage therapists who may feel unsure of how to fully use their therapies in this specialised field, as well as parents. I present the eastern theory behind shiatsu (which is largely the same as acupuncture theory, although there are some differences as shiatsu is a bodywork modality) as well as practical guidance on how to use shiatsu for those who aren't familiar with it. It has many case studies so you can see the kinds of situations in which it can be used.

Based on traditional Chinese and Japanese approaches to health, shiatsu can be used to alleviate many of the chronic symptoms of pregnancy such as backache, insomnia and morning sickness. It can also help during labour and birth, as well as relieve postnatal problems such as heavy postpartum bleeding or difficulties with lactation. A shiatsu treatment simply encourages the body to balance its own natural energy by gentle stimulation of its energy pathways, the meridians - the same pathways used in acupuncture. The age-old midwifery skills of touching and stroking are an intrinsic part of nurturing and cherishing - the essence of 'being with woman'. Shiatsu takes this simple healing technique one stage further. Within this book you will find tips on how to use core midwifery skills of touch, gentle pressure and massage in a more systematic and focused way.

Suzanne Yates is the only shiatsu teacher world-wide to have made maternity work her main focus. She has been working with midwives and pregnant women for the last 13 years and developed a course of applied shiatsu for midwives that fulfils NMC requirements for training. Tricia Anderson, midwife lecturer and supervisor and past editor of Practising Midwife, has collaborated with her to enusre the content is appropirate to midwives' Code of Practice. This is a key text for anyone wishing to explore this new area.

Key Points
This practical guide offers effective alternatives to orthodox treatment and provides a valuable addition to modern midwifery care.

Focuses on a range of shiatsu treatments suitable for maternity care, providing examples of safe and effective work that can be done in a short session

Specific techniques designed to help with many of the common problems of pregnancy, labour and early motherhood.

Discusses the research base that underpins shiatsu, providing the most up-to-date information to support evidence-based care.

Fascinating case studies provide many anecdotal accounts of effectiveness.

Clear line drawings and photographs accompany the techniques, aiding understanding and successful practice

Positives
A recent local study has demonstrated that women who received shiatsu treatments from their midwife during pregnancy were more likely to have a spontaneous labour, thereby significantly reducing the need for induction and consequently lowering cesearean operations.

Articles

Book - Shiatsu for Midwives