The birth system in Germany.

Culture affects birth practices in a given country or geographic area. Some current birth practices in West Germany in the areas of prenatal care, prepared childbirth, intrapartal care, and postpartal care are discussed. While both the United States and Germany are considered modern countries in terms of technological advancement and educational facilities, very different values and practices are evident in the birth systems of the two countries.

Postpartum bleeding.

The nurse caring for the postpartum woman must be able to distinguish normal from abnormal blood loss. Characteristics that identify normal lochia are reviewed, as are important nursing assessment parameters. Guidelines for managing impending shock are provided. Problems with blood volume estimations are explored. Information on resumption of menses and patient teaching approaches related to late postpartum hemorrhage are included.