Nurses working with childbearing families face a variety new challenges, including shortened lengths of hospital stay, the trend toward greater use of community-based and home care, and downsizing and mergers of health-care systems. This book is not only important reading for maternity nurses, but also can be used as an invaluable reference tool.  The Eighth Edition of this popular book not only continues to emphasize the central role played by maternity nurses working with today's childbearing families, but also includes a global perspective, covering culture as a factor in relating to the woman's childbirth experience. It also includes a comprehensive, accessible segment on women's health issues.