Includes index.

Contents: Section 1: Transition to parenting and relationships in practice - working with women: What women want from care around the time of birth -- First relationships and the growth of love and commitment -- Becoming a parent -- Midwifery partnership: working 'with' women -- The politics of involving women in decision making -- Supporting midwives to support women -- Working with women: developing continuity of care in practice -- The birth of twins: a reflection on practice -- Section 2: Putting science into practice: Evidence-based care and twins -- Evidence-based midwifery: finding, appraising and applying evidence in practice -- Risk: theoretical or actual? -- Why do research? -- Jenna's care story: post-term pregnancy -- Section 3: Promoting healthy birth, using midwifery skills and the organization of practice: A public health view of maternity services -- Reducing inequalities in childbirth: the midwife's role in public health -- Keeping birth normal -- Being with Jane in childbirth: putting science and sensitivity in practice