Normal Birth: Contention and Debate in the UK

Abstract

Promoting and facilitating normal childbirth is considered an essential component of the role of the midwife. However, midwives work within parameters defined not only by the regulatory body, but also national agendas, policy and their employer. Public opinion and media influences on the perception of normal birth can prove challenging in its promotion, yet when care and conditions are optimised, experiencing a vaginal birth is a safe physiological event. With a necessity to be jack-of-all-trades placed upon midwives from so many stakeholders, in this first of a 10-part series, we ask whether midwives can balance these demands and actively work to promote normal vaginal birth.