History and development of the midwifery profession
Author(s): Valya Dimitrova
Publisher: Medical University - Varna
Year of issue: 2017
ISBN: 9786192210977
Dr. Dimitrova's scientific work presents the midwifery profession in detail - both ancient and modern. Herein lies one of the strengths of this textbook, intended for students entering the midwifery profession. Historical records describe practices from ancient times to the present day. Students are presented with a broad picture of the ways in which women in different eras and countries received assistance in childbirth. The social status of "helping" women and its change over the centuries is examined - when were they honored and when, and why were they persecuted, how and when did they become professionals?
Today's students will find it interesting to read Soranius of Ephesus' (2nd century) definition of the good midwife:
"to be literate, to have a good memory, to love one's work, to be respected, to have long, thin fingers, to have preserved senses (sight, smell, hearing)."
With each subsequent page, readers will discover more interesting and useful information.
The problem of birth control in different eras is presented, as well as the attitude towards abortion. Special attention is paid to female reproductive health as an object of midwifery care and to the midwife's role in family planning. The new professional roles of the midwife are outlined in relation to the global reproductive health perspective and the need for innovation. The work of Valya Dimitrova also contains a number of "Bulgarian dimensions" of the problem of the modern functioning of the midwifery profession.
CONTENTS:
An approach to early familiarization with the profession
Review by Prof. Nevena Feschieva
Valya Dimitrova
Introduction
Historical overview of the development of the midwifery profession
International experience in midwifery care
Competencies of the modern midwife
Women's reproductive health in the focus of obstetric care
Family planning consultations. Communication in midwifery practice
Women's consultation in Bulgaria
Innovations in midwifery practice
Applications
