ABSTRACT
This chapter explores how we might support women who have uncomplicated pregnancies, who start labour spontaneously and who hope to have a normal birth. It draws on research findings and the experiences of women, midwives and other birth workers, to explore some principles for promoting physiological birth. Having considered why the promotion of normal birth matters, now explore some principles concerning how the provide individualised support to women in labour. In order to acknowledge how issues of power and control also impact on women's experiences, the term 'birth territory' has been used to describe the environment for birth. It is held up as an example of an initiative that made dramatic changes to the culture, practices, experiences and outcomes by creating an environment specifically designed to enable midwives to 'hold the space' for women and promote normal birth. A postscript that encapsulates the sense of triumph that women often display when giving birth has been an empowering experience.
