There has been a rapid increase in the interest of safe complementary and alternative approaches to healthcare in pregnancy and childbirth. For those working in maternity care who seek the evidence base for therapeutic approaches, this book offers a comprehensive guide to the principles and practice of complementary therapies, and their application to expectant and new mothers and their babies.* History and background are given for each therapy, using a specifically midwifery perspective* Contraindications and appropriate conditions to treat are specified * Up-to-date research is included, as more research is available than ever before and so the midwife has to be able to make accurate assessments based on evidence.* Legislative and professional conduct issues are covered ,putting the information into a clear midwifery context and giving guidelines to enable the midwife to deal confidently with new therapeutic approaches