The cover of this small, spiral bound book concisely summarizes the intention of the text, “A companion to the authoritative text, Varney’s Midwifery, Fourth Edition.” Kriebs and Gegor are carrying on the tradition of combining science with clinical practicality as found in the series of publications under the Varney imprimatur. However, rather than simply condensing the major text, they have compiled clinically relevant tables, questions, lists, figures, etc., which can be of use for any midwife in practice.

Included in the pocket text is a summary of current CDC STD treatment guidelines, foods high in calcium, and a list of techniques for supportive care in labor. Such a potpourri of material is supported in turn by a logical presentation, mirroring the full textbook and enhanced by a reasonable table of contents, tabs, and index.

This book would certainly be of value to any student midwife. It includes the basics, such as hand maneuvers for a normal birth. Even the advanced clinician can benefit from having certain items of information at her/his fingertips. This advantage particularly is true for unusual events, such as recognizing and managing ectopic pregnancies, appendicitis, or hydatidiform mole.

The sections on pregnancy and birth are better addressed than those concerning primary care or other issues for the nonpregnant woman. Nonetheless, charts of BMI, exercise, and substance abuse in the latter areas are useful. Addition of the chart of the WHO Medical Eligibility Criteria for Starting Contraceptive Methods in a future edition would likely be of great value to midwives practicing in the family-planning arena.

The major disadvantage of the book is simply that it is a book. An electronic version that could be downloaded to a personal digital computer or an iPOD would enable the midwife to easily carry the book, edit it for personal practice, and update it when new STD guidelines or other data emerge. As it exists, the Pocket Midwife is an excellent addition to the library of the practicing midwife, and an electronic version would be even better. This reviewer hopes the third edition will include that option.