Ann M. Thomson – författare

This work looks specifically at research relevant to the care provided by midwives for childbearing women and their families. The studies encompass many areas of midwifery practice, education and management and topics covered include antenatal care, supportive care in labour, reasons for not breast feeding, the role and responsibilities of the midwife and women's experiences of childbirth. These studies illustrate the diversity of research methods appropriate to the study of midwifery, ranging from randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effects of clinical procedures, to detailed observational studies to describe interactions between midwives and women in their care.

The third volume of this successful Series brings together studies of particular relevance to the care provided by midwives for childbearing women and their families. midwifery research is essential for sound practice and is of importance as a basis for education and management. Topics in this volume include: care during pregnancy, tabour and delivery, and the post natal period midwifery education midwives responsibilities midwives careers. The maternity services' continue to be in the public eye in the UK and the West. Debate on consumer satisfaction with the experience of pregnancy and childbirth and perinatal mortality is increasing. This Series is intended primarily for midwives but it will be of interest to other health professionals involved in the provision of maternity care and members of social science disciplines concerned with women's health. Sarah Robinson is Senior Research Fellow, Nursing Research Unit, King's College, London, England. Ann M Thomson is Senior Lecturer in Midwifery, School of Nursing Studies, University of Manchester and Director, Health Care Research Unit, Stockport, Tameside & Glossop College of Nursing, England.

Part of a series, volume 4 contains further midwifery research for the series. This volume includes papers on the selection and education of midwives, and should be of interest to student and qualified midwives and obstetricians.

This volume is the first in a series which brings together studies of par­ ticular relevance to the care provided by midwives for childbearing women and their families. The series is intended primarily for midwives but we hope that other health professionals involved in the maternity services, as well as those who use the services, will also find the series interesting and useful. In undertaking this venture we have been fortunate in the support received from colleagues, friends and family. In particular we would like to thank the following: the editorial and production staff at Chapman and Hall in London for encouragement and advice; all the authors who have contributed to the series; colleagues at both the Nursing Research Unit, London University and the Department of Nursing Studies, Manchester University; and Paul and Rachel Robinson. This first volume is dedicated to Anne Bent, formerly Director of Education at the Royal College of Midwives and then Professional Officer for Midwifery at the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting. Always conscious of the need for midwifery to become a research-based profession and for midwives to be aware of the importance of research, she has made a major contri­ bution to initiating and facilitating developments in both these respects.