Why is this important?

The last 30 years have seen significant changes in the social context of childbearing, and as a consequence midwives, doctors and women have become dependent on technology in labour and birth. This has occurred despite recommendations that a greater emphasis should be placed on the social context of childbirth and health.

The College believes there are short- and long-term health and social benefits for mothers, children, families and communities offered by a policy of maximising normal birth as part of maternal choice. This is more likely to succeed if childbirth is placed within a social and family setting.

Nevertheless, it is important to recognise that we live in a changing world where all of us are increasingly comfortable with technology, more afraid of risk and more assertive as consumers. Most women of child-bearing age in the UK have less experience of birth than ever before. They are much more averse to pain and feel that technology in all its forms offers choice and control.

Over time, the Campaign will address these changes in ‘demand' for services, as well as the ‘supply' of maternity care by midwives.