Anti-D in Midwifery: Panacea or Paradox?

by Sara Wickham RM MA BA(Hons) PGCE(A)

The book begins by exploring the historical and current research evidence in this area in detail, outlining the 'facts' and the questions which remain unanswered. The results of research carried out to expand midwifery knowledge in this area are also presented and discussed. A reflective approach is taken throughout, which raises critical questions of philosophy and practice relating to this and other areas of knowledge.

* Are women's bodies really fallible, or could some women's need for anti-D be caused by medical intervention in childbirth?
* Do women being offered anti-D know that this is a blood product which may carry attendant risks?
* What information do women need in order to decide whether of not they will have anti-D?

Genres: Nonfiction

165 pages, Paperback

First published November 28, 2000

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me far too long to get round to starting this book and far too long to finish it. And that's despite understanding that what might seem like a very niche area of childbearing knowledge would have general application for an approach to the study and practice of supporting childbearing women, and despite Sara Wickham's readable writing style.

The idea of looking at a routinely prescribed pregnancy intervention... the administration of a blood product... to all Rhesus negative women to see how appropriate it might really be and to tease out what some of the nuances might be is a fascinating one. I found it a bit hard to grasp however and in ways that were not about the science of the topic (such as it is), but about aspects of the discussion. I felt that this limited my ability to say to many people, professional and personally involved, who need to read about this topic, that they should read this book.

[Rye Thomasdatter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly valuable. I believe the only inquiry of it's kind on the subject. Looking forward to reading her more recent book and inquiry on this issue. A very worthwhile researcher and author.