ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the collaborative aspects of shared decision-making in maternity care. Shared decision-making is increasingly accepted as the way to make health decisions in maternity care. Independent of the way this is organised, close collaboration between all care providers is necessary to provide a woman with continuity and best quality of maternity care. In the community setting, this collaboration is broadened with general practitioners or public health nurses, depending on the national or local organisation of maternity care. The implementation of decisions often requires a collaboration of different professionals working with the woman to achieve the best treatment option for her situation and needs. In the context of providing quality maternity care services, meeting basic goals remains challenging in low-income countries. Women encounter many barriers in accessing maternity care. Essential is an environment that stimulates this as a norm and facilitates practical support, such as time and leadership.
