Janua ry , 1955. P H Y S I O T H E R A P Y Page Nine

B O O K  R E V IE W
Childbirth: Theory and Practical Training, by Marjorie 
F Chappell, D .N .(L ond.), S.R .N ., C.S.P., S.C.M., H.V. 
Cert. PP- yi— 128; Figs.35. Price 7s. 6d. Published by 
E & S. Livingstone, Ltd., 16-17, Teviot Place, Edinburgh.

This book offers a planned course o f instruction for 
those who are to teach pre-natal training, whether in a 
class or individually. The author discusses her subject 
in great detail and covers almost every aspect o f childbirth 
in relationship to the expectant mother.

The methods o f training suggested could only be carried 
out if one worked in an atmosphere o f complete co-opera­
tion both from the mothers and other medical staff. U n ­
fortunately, this ideal situation does not always hold, and 
teachers will have probably to make a number o f adap­
tations of the ideas presented. Basically, however, the text 
is completely sound and any expectant mothers trained 
as suggested should have a controlled and natural child­
birth.

Marjorie Chappell lays great stress on the importance 
of the mother understanding the experience she is under­
going, and this cannot be too heartily endorsed. The 
psychological training is probably o f far greater importance 
even than the physical. A mother trained both mentally 
and physically for her confinement is capable not only o f 
giving herself an easier time, but must be a tremendous 
help to the doctor and midwife.

A course o f eight lessons is planned, and this seems a 
little meagre unless one has particularly, co-operative and 
intelligent mothers with whom one is dealing. It is sug­
gested, too, that training starts eight or nine weeks before 
the estimated date o f delivery. I feel sure that this is not 
early enough in the pregnancy to obtain the best results. 
It is surely wiser to start earlier, as the mother often prefers 
to practise her exercises at home during the final weeks, 
rather than journeying to hospital or clinic. This is, 
of course, something which can only be proved by an 
experienced teacher.

There are several other points in this book which will 
arouse interested discussion among those engaged in this 
type of work, e.g. the scant attention paid to general ex­
ercises pre-natally; the suggestion that the mother rubs 
her own back during contractions etc., etc.

However, this is a well presented and valuable book, 
and should be o f great assistance to those already teaching 
training for childbirth, as well as for those who may have 
had no experience in this important branch o f our work.

L.E.D.

C H A N G E S  O F  ADDRESS

Mrs. I. Masters to c /o  Engineers’ Planning Office, 
St. Helena Mine, P.O. Eerste Myn, O.F.S.

Miss W. Blackie to Physiotherapy Department, 
Chamber o f Mines Hospital, Johannesburg.

Mr. R. V. G. French to 120, Paul Kruger Drive, M. T. 
Krugersdorp.

Mrs. J. Metz to Harbec Court, c/r. Harrow Road, 
and Becker Streets, Yeoville, Johannesburg.

SOUTH AFRICAN RAILWAYS 
AND HARBOURS 

SICK FUND

Appointment of Two Physiotherapists:

One Johannesburg Area: Salary £1,684 p.a.

Florida, Unified and Roodepoort Area, Salary £330 p.a.
Applications are invited from registered Physiothera­

pists for appointment to the above positions.

Full particulars o f the appointments may be obtained 
from the District Secretary, Western Transvaal District 
Sick Fund Board, Room 342, Third Floor, New' Station 
Buildings, Johannesburg.

Closing date for applications: 7th March, 1955.

G. FREELING,

Johannesburg. Actg. General Secretary.
29th October, 1954.

+ + +

SIEKEFONDS VAN DIE SUID- 
AFRIKAANSE SPOORWEE 

EN HAWENS

Aanstelling van Twee Fisioterapeute:

1. Johannesburg Gebied: Salaris £1,684 p.j.

2. Florida, Unified en Roodepoort-Gebied: Salaris £330 p.j.
Aansoeke word van geregistreerde fisioterapeute ingewag 

vir aanstelling in bovermedle poste.

Volledige besonderhede van die aanstellings kan verkry 
word van die Distriksekretaris, Wes-Transvaalse Distrik- 
siekefondsraad, Kamer 342, Derde Verdieping, Nuwe 
Stasiegebou, Johannesburg.

Sluitingsdatum vir aansoeke: 7 Maart 1955.

G. FREELING,

Johannesburg, Waarn. Hoofsekretaris.
29 Oktober 1954.

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