Normal Birth: Position Statement

Abstract

Here at All4Maternity: The Practising Midwife and The Student Midwife, we are strong advocates of women and birthing people’s rights to make and enact their preferred birthing decisions. We are, however, concerned with the lack of equitable services meeting the needs of women seeking a normal physiological birth. Compelling evidence highlights the long term biopsychosocial benefits of normal birth for the mother-baby dyad, within relational care models.1 Evidence also shows that the majority of women hope for and anticipate a normal birth; expecting that their care providers are knowledgeable and skilled to facilitate safe effective care.2 Indeed, it is the core function of the midwife3– a protected title with an inherent responsibility to optimise the normal physiological and psychological processes of childbirth,4 as captured in the Lancet Midwifery series1 and ICM scope of midwifery practice.4