1. In the beginning : Becoming a mother ; Premature and mature motherhood ; Infertility ; Questions that new parents may ask -- 2. Fetal development: influential factors : Fetal development -- 3. Assessment of fetal wellbeing : Antenatal care -- 4. Risks to the fetus during childbirth : Prolonged pregnancy ; Prolonged and premature rupture of the membranes ; Anomalies of the fetal heart rate in labour ; Meconium-stained liquor ; Pharmacological pain relief ; Water birth ; Presentation of the fetus in labour ; Mode of delivery ; Resuscitation at birth ; Injuries and abnormalities noticed at birth -- Neonatal examination : Step 1: preparation ; Step 2: observation ; Step 3: examination ; Step 4: explanation to the parent(s) ; Step 5: documentation -- 6. Abnormal findings and congenital abnormalities : Abnormal findings ; Specific abnormalities ; Specific syndromes -- 7. Accountability and effective care : Acknowledging professional responsibilities and boundaries ; Accountability ; Achieving and maintaining best practice -- Appendix 1 : Useful addresses -- Appendix 2 : Safe sleeping environment for babies: advice for parents.