New edition of a title in the popular _Midwifery Essentials_ series originally published in conjunction with _The Practising Midwife _journal. The series covers core topics in midwifery education in an engaging and friendly format using a helpful ‘jigsaw’ approach which encourages readers to explore topics from a variety of perspectives e.g. effective communication, team working and health promotion. Helpful ‘scenarios’ throughout each volume encourage debate and reflection, core elements of midwifery education. * Fully updated to provide a useful, friendly source of information * Strong focus on contemporary women-centred care * Designed to stimulate debate and reflection upon current practice, local policies and procedures * Scenarios enable practitioners to understand the context of maternity care and explore their role in safe and effective service provision * Helpful ‘jigsaw’ approach enables readers to explore specific topics from a variety of perspectives e.g. consent, safety and health promotion * Explains the professional and legal issues surrounding clinical procedures * Chapters designed to be read as a ‘standalone’ or in succession * Emphasises the crucial role of effective communication * Makes reference to the latest national and international guidelines * Contains new scenarios to reflect recent changes in practice * Improved layout aids retention and learning * Fully updated throughout with the latest evidence base for clinical skills and procedures * Embraces the principles of ‘Better Births’