ABSTRACTS OF FEATURE ARTICLES

Complementary Care in Labor and Birth
by Charli Vogt

Spiritual Development During a First Pregnancy
by Robert C. Baumiller

Medical Science, Social Values, and the Pain of Childbirth
by Donald Caton
James Young Simpson introduced modern anesthesia to obstetric practice in 1847. His innovation was resisted by most physicians who feared the effect of potent drugs on the mother and child. Obstetrical practice only changed after intense pressure from early feminists, who believed that the pain of childbirth was a cause of many of the mental and physical disabilities experienced by women later in life. This paper describes this early clash between medical science and social values and discusses some implications for present life.

PCOS -- What Does It Mean to Me?
by Andrew Behnke

Pediatric Chiropractic: A Contemporary Choice for Infant Health Care
by Elise G. Hewitt

Doula Dilemmas
by Karen N. Salt
Being a health professional takes time, commitment, perseverance, and strength to navigate the upheavals and demands that cause many to end their careers too soon. Doulas, with their delicate position within the birth team, suffer often when they face spiritual, emotional, or practical doula dilemmas. This article covers survival tips that can halt the effects of doula dilemmas and ensure a long career in this field.

American Women Giving Birth Abroad
by Karen B. King and Cynthia L. Farley
Some American women who travel or live abroad will give birth abroad. What are their experiences of birth in a different culture? Do those health care providers accommodate American women's cultural beliefs and preferences in the same way American health care providers attempt to provide culturally competent care to women of different cultures? Culture has a profound influence on birth practices, with many customs and rituals mediated through social norms. When a woman is outside her familiar world, her birth experience may be different from what she has learned to expect. This article uses Leininger's theory of transcultural care as a conceptual framework for exploring experiences of American women giving birth abroad.

COLUMNS

Nutrition News
by Dvorka Monti
Folic Acid Supplement? Even if I'm not thinking of becoming pregnant?

Political Issues
by Naomi Bromberg Bar-Yam
Low Health Literacy: A Problem for All in the Health Care Circle

Audio Visual Review
by Margery Simchak
A Premie Needs His Mother: First Steps to Breastfeeding Your Premature Baby

International Focus
by Susan E. Elliott

Certification Update
by Marilyn Nelson
ICEA Retroactive Contact Hours