Normal Childbirth: Evidence and Debate

Normal childbirth should be the right of the majority: not a chosen few. With the increasing risk of litigation, there is often a move to err on the side of caution and classify women as 'at risk' if they present with even a hint of a problem. This is a contested area, with wide interpretation of terminology and midwives need to be aware of the wide parameters of 'normal' in order to practise autonomously, effectively and safely. Soo Downe covers a wide variety of subjects, with international contributors giving the benefit of their expertise. This evidence-based text offers a widely applicable source book on multiple aspects of normal birth, proposing new approaches and paradigms for future research and practice.

• 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.

Susan Downe, Principal Lecturer (Research), Department of Midwifery Studies, University of Central Lancashire