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

Tags: normal childbirth