The focus of this book is wellness and it includes a look at common health problems impacting upon the maternity client and her newborn, highlighting a care plan of general considerations for the high-risk maternity client with less common health problems. The book includes an overview of cultural, community, sociologic and ethical concepts impacting on the maternity nurse in a variety of health care settings. The importance of the nurse's role in co-operation and co-ordination with other health care professionals is integrated throughout the care plans. A decision-making model is used to organize and prioritize nursing interventions based on the nurse acting independently/collaboratively within the health team.