Normal Childbirth

Book excerpt: With the increasing risk of litigation in midwifery, there is often a move to err on the side of caution and classify women as 'at risk' even if they present with only a hint of a problem. Reflecting the need for global professional standards, this unique book presents the available evidence on normality in childbirth and proposes new approaches and paradigms for future research and practice. Covering a variety of subjects, international contributors present evidence-based, practical expertise on normal birth to help readers become aware of the wide parameters of "normal" in order to practice effectively and safely. Explores the nature and implications of normal childbirth as opposed to birth with medical intervention. Challenges the fundamental assumptions underpinning current beliefs and attitudes surrounding normal birth. Synthesizes evidence to provide different ways of seeing normality and interpreting its meanings. Provides a highly applicable reference for readers with an interest in the multiple aspects of normal birth. With 18 expert contributors