Public Health

Book excerpt: Essential Midwifery Practice: Public Health highlights important developments in public health over recent years and relates the implications for midwifery practice in a clear and easily understood manner. This practical text will appeal to clinical midwives who may be unsure about the relevance of the public health agenda to their every day practice. It highlights how public health underpins every midwife’s practice by using examples and case histories. It addresses a wide range of public health issues pertinent to every midwife, including: smoking in pregnancy, breastfeeding, sexual health, substance misuse, domestic abuse, perinatal mental health and vulnerable groups, poverty and social exclusion.