Obstetrical Nursing: A Text-Book on the Nursing Care of the Expectant Mother, the Woman in Labor, the Young Mother and Her Baby

"Obstetrical Nursing" by Carolyn Conant Van Blarcom is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The book serves as a comprehensive textbook aimed at educating nurses in the specialized field of obstetrical nursing, particularly focusing on the care of expectant mothers, labor processes, and the newborn. It provides detailed guidance on the complexities of maternal and infant health, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness, watchfulness, adaptability, and sympathy in nursing practices. The opening of the text outlines the author's motivation and objectives in writing the book, noting the importance of a broad understanding of obstetrical practices amongst nurses. Van Blarcom discusses the common confusion faced by nurses trained under disparate obstetric approaches and expresses her desire to provide a comprehensive overview that may help standardize care. She defines the structure of the book and highlights its division into seven parts, covering anatomy, physiology, prenatal care, labor assistance, postpartum care, and the early stages of infant care. The introduction sets a serious tone, underlining the critical need for improved maternal and infant healthcare practices to prevent unnecessary mortality and morbidity during childbirth.