Includes references and index.

Contents: Introduction -- On the receiving end: the service user's perspective -- Part 1: Theories and concepts: Principles of communication --Theories of communication and counselling -- Communication ideas -- Part 2: Responsive communication: Culturally competent communication -- Public health -- Communication and complex health planning -- Communication around loss and trauma -- Part 3: Communication practice: Pregnancy -- Labour -- The postnatal period and infant feeding -- Part 4: Professional communication and personal development: Communicating with others -- Spreading the word -- Reflection, development and challenges in communication -- Conclusion.