AIMS Publications

10 Book Bundle

This book bundle contains 10 AIMS publications at a discounted price, which we anticipate being of particular interest to antenatal teachers, doulas and midwives includes:

• Am I Allowed?
• Induction - Do I Really Need It?
• Ultrasound? Unsound!
• What's Right for Me?
• Birthing Your Baby - Second Stage
• Breech Birth - What are my options?
• Birth after Caesarean
• Making a Complaint About Maternity Care
• Birthing Your Placenta, The Third Stage
• Vitamin K and the Newborn

If you wish to have this book bundle delivered to an address outside the UK, please contact publications@aims.org.uk for a price before placing an order.

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First Time Mother's 7 book bundle

This book bundle contains 7 AIMS publications at a discounted price, which we anticipate being of particular interest to first time mothers; would make an excellent gift for a newly pregnant friend or relative.

• Safety in Childbirth
• Am I Allowed?
• Ultrasound? Unsound!
• Making a Complaint About Maternity Care
• Induction - Do I Really Need It?
• Vitamin K and the Newborn
• What's Right for Me?

If you wish to have this book bundle delivered to an address outside the UK, please contact publications@aims.org.uk for a price before placing an order.

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Breech Birth - What are my options?

Written by Jane Evans, published April 2005
One of the most experienced midwives in assisting women to give birth to their breech babies has written this informative and empowering book to inform women about the choices they have and help them decide what is right for them. £8.00

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Birth After Caesarean

Written by Jenny Lesley, published June 2004
This booklet aims to provide information about choices, suggest ways in which a vaginal birth after caesarean can be made more likely and inform women about their rights and where to find support. Vaginal birth after caesarean is commonly known as VBAC. Women's experiences are an important element of this book. £8.00

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Induction - Do I Really Need It?

Written by Sara Wickham, published 2004
We know from talking to women who contact AIMS that there are complex emotional and social reasons why women feel they would like their baby induced, but we are also aware that sometimes women are manipulated into making a decision to induce, by staff, particularly if they are having private obstetric care. Sara answers your questions in this wonderful book. £5.00

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Am I Allowed?

Written by Beverley Lawrence Beech, published October 2003
Beverley is an expert in women's rights in maternity care, based on her 25 years experience in advising parents about their rights. This book sets out to lay out the options and rights through all stages of pregnancy and birth. It is a must for any pregnant woman who wants to exercise informed consent and be more in control of her pregnancy and labour. £8.00

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Vitamin K and the newborn

Written by Sara Wickham, published April 2003
Does my baby need Vitamin K? Should I agree to an injection, an oral dose or not? Can I postpone my decision? Which babies are at risk? Sara is a practising midwife who has written this very informative booklet designed to help you make a decision about this routine treatment. £5.00

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What's Right For Me? Making decisions in pregnancy and birth

Written by Sara Wickham, published August 2002
Making the right choice of maternity care is not just a question of choosing from a menu of what is on offer. The right choice for you is the one that reflects who you are and what your individual needs are. This practical booklet can help women think through their needs and feelings in advance and make the process of decision making less daunting. £5.00

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Ultrasound? Unsound

Written by Beverley Lawrence Beech and Jean Robinson.

A review and evaluation of current ultrasound research and a discussion of AIMS' concerns about the widespread routine use of ultrasound in pregnancy and childbirth. One of AIMS' most popular booklets. £5.00

Birthing Your Baby: The Second Stage

Written by Nadine Pilley Edwards and Beverley Lawrence Beech.
Why hurry this stage of labour? This booklet details the physiology of the 'pushing' stage of labour and considers the advantages, for mother and baby, of a more relaxed approach to the birth. £5.00

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Birthing Your Placenta: The Third Stage

Written by Nadine Pilley Edwards and Sara Wickham
A detailed discussion about physiological and 'managed' third stage. 'Managed' third stage is very common in the UK. It involves the mother being given an injection to expel her placenta. Physiological (natural) birth of the placenta is when the woman gives birth to her placenta without any interventions. Women who want to do this are still often discouraged. This book considers the advantages and disadvantages, based on the research and women's and midwives' experiences.
115 pages, fully revised in 2011, containing the most up to date research on the third stage currently available. £8.00

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Choosing a Waterbirth

Written by Beverley Lawrence Beech.
This booklet advises women on how to arrange a waterbirth. It covers pool rental, lists those hospitals which have pools and helps women to overcome any obstacles they encounter in choosing this type of birth.

Updated edition due later this year

Making a Complaint about Maternity Care

Written by Beverley Lawrence Beech
The complaints system can appear to many as an impenetrable maze. For anyone thinking of making a complaint about their maternity care this guide contains information about the procedures, the pitfalls and the regulations.
£3.00 OR £10.00 for 5 copies
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Safety In Childbirth

The well-known statistician Marjorie Tew argues that, contrary to current medical opinion, hospital birth is not safer than home birth for the majority of women. Tew's paper contains findings from many years of research which is as relevant today as it was when she first wrote it. The updated booklet contains a critique of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' flawed study of home births by Joseph R Wax et al (June 2010) and details of the current research on home birth in the UK.£5.00

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Charter for Ethical Research in Maternity Care

Joint AIMS and NCT Publication
This charter which was published in October 1997 was drawn up after extensive discussion between three national maternity organisation: AIMS, NCT and the Maternity Alliance. Most of the recommendations would now be considered normal practice in research involving pregnant women.
FREE

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Birthing Autonomy: Women's Experiences of Planning Home Births

Written by Nadine Pilley Edwards, AIMS Vice Chair
Is home birth dangerous for women and babies? Shouldn't women decide where to have their babies? This book brings some balance to difficult arguments about home birth by focusing on women's views and their experiences of planning them. Invaluable for expectant mothers and professionals alike. RRP £22.99

Currently not available from AIMS

Your Birth Rights

Written by Pat Thomas, a previous editor of the AIMS Journal.
This updated edition (previously titled Every Woman's Birthrights) is a highly recommended, no-nonsence guide to women's rights and choices in pregnancy and childbirth. Wide ranging, fully referenced and written in clear, accessible language. £11.50

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Home Birth - A Practical Guide (4th Edition)

Written by Nicky Wesson
AIMS has replaced Choosing a Home Birth with this fully revised and updated edition of Home Birth by Nicky Wesson. Nicky tells us what the research says, what midwives think, what mothers want, what babies need. Every sentence is packed with interest. Read it, even if you are not planning a home birth - it is very relevant to everyone who is pregnant. £8.99

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The Father's Home Birth Handbook

Written by Leah Hazard. For the fathers who may be uneasy about home birth - this book is a fantastic source of evidence-based information, it looks at risks and responsibilities, and the challenges and complications of home birth. It gives many reassuring stories from other fathers. A must for fathers-to-be or birth partners. £8.99

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Vol 23, No 3 - International Witch Hunt, the campaign against midwifery

In this Journal - Nadine Edwards, Jo Murphy-Lawless, Mavis Kirkham and Sarah Davies ask whether the Attacks on Midwives and Attacks on Women's Choices are a Human Rights issue; Professor of Midwifery Mavis Kirkham looks at who the midwife is serving - the system or the mother? The state of midwifery in the United States, Hungarian, Germany, Australia, France, Netherlands, Ireland and the UK are discussed.
£3.50
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Vol 23, No 2 - Challenging the Medicalisation of Birth

In this Journal - Beverley Beech on getting consumers' voices heard, Midwife Rachel Reed on changing how we look at the stages of labour, Holly Lyne on women's birthing ability, Sian Alexander and Claire Rajahon on protecting and saving birth centres. Research Roundup - Cochrane third stage review
£3.50
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Vol 23, No 1 - Normality

In this Journal - Jo Dagustun considers homebirth and gives a call to action, Kathryn Gutteridge introduces the Serenity birth centre in Birmingham, Cathy Warwick and Miranda Dodwell provide feedback on Midwifery 2020 and Christine Hall on how Hypnobirthing can change birthing experiences.
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Vol 22, No 4 - Campaigning for 50 years

In this Journal - Beverley Beech’s introductory speech from the 50th Anniversary Luncheon, Mary Cronk and Mavis Kirkham share memories of AIMS, Wendy Savage speaks to members of AIMS, past and present, Founder member Pamela Fox-Russell remembers Bill Fletcher, Sally Willington and the beginning of AIMS. Johanna Billingsley, Ishbel Kargar, Avril Nicoll, Charlotte Williamson and Sara Wickham focus on each of the five decades of AIMS. Beverley Beech introduces our new AIMS President, Jean Robinson.
£3.50
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Vol 22, No 3 - The persecution of woman centred care

In this Journal - Gill Boden on the battle for control over women's bodies, Nadine Edwards and Sarah Davies' summary of their critique of the CMACE Report on the Albany Midwifery Practice, Beverley Beech on the flawed home birth meta-analysis by Wax et al, and on the guardian newspaper and other journalists' reporting of homebirth. Donal Kerry on the persecution of Agnes Gereb and Jo Dagustun on freebirthing.
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Vol 22, No 2 - Caesarean Birth

In this Journal - Debbie Chippington Derrick and Vicki Williams introduce common themes and issues in supporting women and improving service. Gina Lowdon provides a detailed exploration of women choosing a caesarean. Debbie Chippington Derrick on supporting women requesting a caesarean and asks if funding policy is financing a high caesarean rate. Michelle Barnes on attempts to reduce the CS rate in Sheffield. Nataliya Huxley and Deborah Lickfett share their caesarean experiences. Research Roundup returns.
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Vol 22, No 1 - Is anyone listening?

In this Journal - Beverley Beech looks at when 'informed consent' becomes bullying, Nadine Edwards gives some background on why the Albany Midwifery Model works. Debbie Chippington Derrick looks at the contentious issue of vaginal examinations and Mary Stewart considers the emotional effects of these on women. Pat O'Brien and Virginia Howes look at the portrayal of birth and Jo Murphy-Lawless reports on the public inquest in Ireland of a baby who died in hospital following a homebirth.
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Vol 21, No 4 - Good Care

In this Journal - Michelle Barnes looks at some of the best the NHS has to offer and Beverley Beech considers problems getting a home birth. Lucy Christopher, and Saumya and Adam Poulter look at the impact for them of Albany care. Phyllis Winters reflects on the involving fathers and Erica Edwards of her experience of care at the Montrose Midwife Unit. Sheena Byrom on pushing the boundaries to promote positive birth in East Lancashire, while Michelle Barnes and Ruth Weston talk about impact of waterpools in Sheffield and Bradford. Adela Stockton, Laura and Nigel Holme, and Gemma Hopkins all share their stories of positive births with NHS midwives.
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Vol 21, No 3 - Midwifery under Threat

In this Journal - Beverley Beech looks at the threat to birthing choice in the UK and reports on the witch-hunt of the welsh independent midwife Clare Fisher; Midwifery lecturer Sarah Davies reports on the NMC's case against Deborah Purdue; NCT press office reveals that crucial choice guarantees will missed by a mile and Angela Horn looks at the information available to women classed as high risk who wish to birth at home.
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Vol 21, No 2 - Social Services

In this Journal - Jean Robinson explains how and why AIMS supports familes faced with threat from Social Services and she also consider the politics behind the renaming of Shaken Baby Syndrome; Debbie Slater looks at improving maternity services in Australia while Sharon Licqurish looks at the insurance nightmare facing midwives there. Beverley Beech considers the Safeguarding Children Protocols and Moira Finlayson looks at care for women with Pelvic Girdle Pain.
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Journal Vol 21, No 1 - Campaigning, Complaining and Caring

In this Journal - Alice Charlwood wonders why so few women complain about poor maternity care; Maria gives an account of her struggles to make her complaint heard; Ingrid Wall talks about using the PALS service; Adela Stockton explores our perception of pain; Michelle Barnes reports on the campaign to reduce the caesarean rate in Sheffield; Alison Philp shares the story of her birth and complaint outcomes; Obituaries of Dr Betty Tylden and Lady Mickelthwaite; Vicki Williams reports on some actions taken in response to complaints; Sara Shah tells her story of staff shortages and lack of choice and Jenny Gaskell questions what defines a good birth experience.
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Journal Vol 20, No 4 - Midwifery Focus

In this Journal - Lee Seekings Norman looks at issues surrounding supportive midwifery; Denis Walsh looks at the future of UK maternity services; Colleen Walk addresses 'Why take the risk of homebirth?'; Rolla Khadduri describes a calm and peaceful birth; Beverley Lawrence Beech looks at the Normal Birth Consensus Statement; Annie Francis looks at the issue of insurance for independent midwives; Katie Wainwright tells of her journey to Independent Midwifery; Annie Francis & Louise Wilby give a guide to revolutionising UK maternity care and Ruth Weston invites you to campaign for better maternity care
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Journal Vol 20, No 3 - Home Birth, in search of normality

In this Journal - Nadine Edwards looks at what helps and hinders normal birth and discusses the negotiations women face when planning a home birth; Obituary of AIMS Founder and President Sally Willington; Thea van Tuyl dispels myths about Holland high home birth rate; Sarah Davies reflects on Home Birth and Normality; Michelle Barnes reports on the Sheffield Home Birth Conference and Ruth Weston consider influencing maternity politics.
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Vol 20, No 2 - Birth in Europe

In this Journal - Beverley Beech highlights the similarities and differences in maternity care across Europe. Contains reports on maternity issues from chidbirth groups in Ireland, Luxembourg, Hungary, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Spain, Holland, Bosnia & Hercegovina and Poland.
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Journal Vol 20, No 1 - The Value of Mothering

In this Journal - Gina Lowdon explores the implications of cultural perspectives on mothering; Tamara Parnay looks at sharing of our birth stories; Midwife Kate Simpson looks at PTSD and Emily Cox considers why policies on breastfeeding conflicts?
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Journal Vol 19, No 4 - Rhetoric and Reality

In this Journal - Normal birth: Beverley Beech looks for a more accurate definition and the NCT press release on the consensus statement; Debbie Chippington Derrick questions the HCC's Review of Maternity Services 2007. A proposed consent form for 'delivering' in hospital; Bridget Sheeran on women travelling long distances in labour; Beverley Beech's Letter to Gordon Brown about Maternity Services; Lynn Walcott on practising outside the NHS and Gillian Crossley on more threats of maternity unit cuts.
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Journal Vol 19, No 3 - Where is the Support?

In this Journal - Jean Robinson on women's thoughts of hurting their baby; Magda Sachs discusses the new WHO Growth Charts; Beverley Beech clarifies the situation of birthing without a midwife and discusses two reports about Sure Start; Gill Boden reports on the launch of the NICE Intrapartum Care Guideline and Michelle Barnes on a national survey of women's experience of maternity care and home birth in the News.
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Journal Vol 19, No 2 - Listen With Mother

In this Journal - Beverley Beech and AIMS founder Sally Willington discuss the changes in almost 50 years of campaigning, Charlotte Williamson explores the emancipation of patients, Caroline Hollins Martin the difficulties midwives face providing choice and control and Julie Trottier the problems for women challenging maternity services.
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Journal Vol 19, No 1 - Birth Trauma

In this Journal - Guest Editors Michelle Barnes and Sarah Stenson introduce this issue, Jean Robinson asks 'Where do we go from here?', Michelle talks about her PTSD after childbirth and her emotionally healing second birth, and Sarah tells us why 'disappointment' trivialises the impact of traumatic birth, whilst Mavis Kirkham in 'Traumatised Midwives' discusses why mothers are not the only casualties of the system
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Journal Volume 18, No 4 - Consultations

In this Journal - Gina Lowdon explores the customer consultation process for the VBAC Guidelines, Gill Bowden reviews the All Wales Clinical Pathway for Normal Labour, Beverley Lawrence Beech looks at Safer Childbirth: Minimum Standards for Service Provision and Care in Labour, and Nadine Edwards guides us through the new 'easy to negotiate' NHS
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Journal Vol 18, No 3 - Birth Centres

In this Journal - Guest Editor Avril Nicoll expresses her renewed hope for the Birth Centre movement, We report on the current situation with birth centres in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as focusing in on some units around the UK. Find out what drives some birth centre activists and what they have found works, as well as considering the impact of user involvement.
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Journal Vol 18, No 2 - Breastfeeding

In this Journal - Beverley Beech reviews the uphill battle to breastfeed in a modern society, we report on Nestlé's exit from the Perrier Award for Comedy, and their involvement with Body shop and Jean Walker questions whether our society undermines women's ability to breastfeed by promoting early weaning, additional feeding with artificial milk and the over emphasis on weight.
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Journal Vol 18, No 1 - Homebirth

In this Journal - Nadine Edwards challenges us to think about why it is still so difficult for women to choose to give birth at home, A review of what AIMS has been doing over the last few months and Beverley Beech recounts the long consumer battle to ensure that a woman in labour at home could expect a midwife to attend her when called.
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