The Family-Centred Maternity and Newborn Care: National Guidelines

The Family-Centred Maternity and Newborn Care: National Guidelines, 4^th Edition, were developed as a result of a collaborative process involving health care providers and consumers. As we move into the new millennium, these Guidelines will help us achieve the objective that we all share - a healthy and satisfying pregnancy, birth and postpartum experience for all mothers, babies and families.

Family-centred maternity and newborn care is a complex, multidimensional, dynamic process of providing safe, skilled and individualized care. It responds to the physical, emotional and psychosocial needs of the woman and her family. In family-centred maternity and newborn care, pregnancy and birth are considered normal, healthy life events. As well, family-centred maternity and newborn care recognizes the significance of family support, participation, and choice. It effect, it reflects an attitude rather than a protocol.

Table of Contents

• Chapter 1: Introduction and Philosophy
• Chapter 2: Organization of Services
• Chapter 3: Preconception Care
• Chapter 4: Care During Pregnancy
• Chapter 5: Care During Labour and Birth
• Chapter 6: Early Postpartum Care and Transition to the Community
• Chapter 7: Breastfeeding
• Chapter 8: Loss and Grief
• Chapter 9: Transport
• Chapter 10: Facilities and Equipment
• Chapter 11: Companion Documents
• Chapter 12: Index

Participating Organisations

•  Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada
•  Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses - Canada
•  Canadian Anaesthetist's Society
• Canadian Coalition for the Prevention of Developmental Disabilities
• Canadian Coalition for Regionalized Perinatal Care
• Canadian Confederation of Midwives
•  Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation
•  Canadian Healthcare Association
•  Canadian Institute of Child Health
•  Canadian Medical Association
•  Canadian Nurses Association
• Canadian Pediatric Society
•  Canadian Public Health Association
•  Canadian Women's Health Network
•  College of Family Physicians of Canada
•  International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA)
• Native Physicians Association in Canada
•  Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC)