Mad, bad or different? Midwives and normal birth in obstetric led units

Abstract

In the UK most births take place in obstetric led units (ONS, 2004). The main purpose of this small study was to describe midwives' experiences of supporting normal birth in two different obstetric led units. Six semi-structured interviews were undertaken with midwives currently working on labour ward. The main findings were that labour ward midwives used a range of strategies to support clinical autonomy and facilitate normal birth. Some midwives who used traditional or non-scientific approaches in their practice were seen as different, being described as ‘mad’ or ‘bolshie’ by fellow midwives and doctors. The ability to support normal birth skills in obstetric units is problematic and appears to be governed by midwives’ faith in normal birth, the birthing environment and personal level of empowerment.