The birth of a baby is the culmination of months of anticipation and plan­ ning. Most often, mother and infant are healthy and readily able to estab­ lish close contact-a bond. However, in some situations either mother or baby or both present complications. The more prompt and rational the treatment, the sooner the normal parent-infant relationship will commence. This book is devoted exclusively to the first days following birth. In its 15 chapters, postpartum and postnatal physiology and pathophy[ i:.;logy are reviewed by 18 specialists. Normal and abnormal development of mother and child is correlated with proven means of clinical management. Chapters 1 through 3 cover maternal postpartum developments and complications. Chapter 4 stresses the importance of a normal parent­ newborn relationship, a concept of increasing concern in modern society. The following ten chapters discuss neonatal physiology and pathophysi­ ology; the effects of obstetric anesthesia on infant behavior, pulmonary function measurements in the postnatal period and treatment of the sick newborn are discussed in detail. The final chapter reviews maternal and perinatal mortality; the data, based on extensive surveys in New York City, indicate that current management is effecting an overall decline in mortality.