Preface

This book is a collection of knowledge from experts in the health of pregnant mothers and their newborns. It deals with the art and science of the profession of midwifery, focusing on contemporary issues in midwifery including essential changes that have come about due to the COVID pandemic. It also deals with issues of domestic violence towards pregnant women.

This book supports learning and prepares readers for the challenges faced in contemporary midwifery healthcare. It presents 'must-have' information concerning both the theoretical and practical aspects of what it means to be a midwife. With extensive full-colour illustrations throughout, as well as activities and scenarios, this user-friendly textbook will support learners throughout their entire education programme. *Empowering Midwives and Obstetric Nurses* is essential reading for all pre-registration student midwives as well as newly qualified midwives. It is a practical approach to understanding the health of women and newborns.

Women in our society are becoming empowered to make informed and responsible choices regarding their health, but to do so they need the advocacy and support of nurses who care for them. This textbook focuses on women throughout their lifespan and arms the student or practicing nurse with essential information to care for women and their families, to assist them to make the right choices safely, intelligently, and with confidence.

> **Amita Ray** Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IQ City Medical College, Durgapur, West Bengal, India

Section 1 Introduction
