How Do Women with an Intellectual Disability Experience the Support of a Doula During Their Pregnancy, Childbirth and After the Birth of Their Child?

Background: With increasing numbers of people with an intellectual disability choosing to become parents, the right support is imperative for effective parenting (Macintyre & Stewart ). The aim of this study was to gain insight into the experiences of parents who received support from Doulas during pregnancy, birth and following the birth of their child. In addition, the experiences of the Doulas who provided the support were investigated.

Women's experiences of participation in a feminist group for women with complex mental health issues.

A sample of women (n = 5) participated in a qualitative service evaluation concerning an open-ended, therapeutic group for women only. Data analysis followed suggestions by Halcomb and Davidson (2006). Main themes derived from the evaluation included: 'Groups are different from individual work', 'Belonging/ not being alone', 'Performance in the group', 'The group as a safety net', 'Life improvements and hope for the future' and 'The extent of emotional despair felt'.

The theory-theory gap: the challenge for nurse teachers.

The paper begins with a review of the nature of theory-based practice and how it is evidenced. This is then used to demonstrate that theory is based upon practice and that there is not a gap between theory and practice but rather there is a theory-theory gap which is evidenced by a lack of experiential knowledge. The paper continues by exploring ways in which theory can be integrated in practice to provide the student with experiential knowledge and the challenge this creates for nurse teachers.

Vincristine therapy for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare disorder characterized by microangiopathic haemolytic anemia, consumption thrombocytopenia, renal impairment, neurological dysfunction, and fever, but all these features are not present in every patient. Although the prognosis of TTP has improved since it was demonstrated that large volumes of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) lead to a remission in most patients, the disease remains fatal in many instances. Therefore, other therapies are often used in TTP, but there is skepticism about their value, since such treatments are often used in combination, making evaluation difficult.

Chemically induced methaemoglobinaemia in a neonate.

A case of toxic methaemoglobinaemia is presented, which followed the use of a local anaesthetic containing prilocaine (Citanest, Astra Pharmaceuticals Ltd) which was used to provide analgesia prior to the suturing of a facial laceration. Although this complication is well documented, this case is unusual in that it involved a neonate and was not produced by an overdose of prilocaine (the recommendations of the British National Formulary and the product monograph were followed). Explanations for the increased susceptibility of neonates and young infants to methaemoglobinaemia are presented together with the salient clinicopathological features.

Intestinal pseudo-obstruction due to amyloidosis of the colon in association with an intestinal plasmacytoma.

A case of large bowel pseudo-obstruction due to colonic amyloidosis associated with an intestinal plasmacytoma is described. The association of an intestinal plasmacytoma with massive local amyloid deposition has not to our knowledge been previously reported.

Resin-bonded arch bars.

A technique for constructing acid etched arch bars is described, this technique provides appropriate location of osteotomy segments in the absence of orthodontic brackets. The arch bars can be applied preoperatively with a subsequent economy of operating theatre time.

Practical mandibular implantation.

The author's experience with an implantation system for use in the mandible, mainly for the support of lower dentures, is described and the results, over the last four years are analysed.