ABSTRACT
In this chapter we explore how we can support women who start labour spontaneously after an uncomplicated pregnancy and who hope to have a normal physiological birth. We discuss why normal birth matters, and describe the concerted global efforts that have been made over the past few decades to define, measure and promote normal physiological birth. Illustrated by interview data and stories from women and midwives, we describe the fundamental principles for providing individual support to women in labour: trusting women’s knowledge of their own bodies, providing encouragement and reassurance, the importance of ‘presence’, avoiding making assumptions and being alert for stereotyping. We also discuss how best to support the birth supporters, and the importance of the birth environment, including the role of the midwife in ‘holding the space for women’.
