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Promoting normal birth: a case for birth centres

Abstract:

Interest in birth centres has arisen in response to consumer pressure for a birth centre in Wellington. Recent literature supports claims that birth centres reduce intervention in labour. Th e twentieth century in New Zealand saw women move from home to hospital to give birth. Th is transition for many entailed giving birth in small maternity homes. A strategy is proposed encouraging the use and development of primary units and reversing the recent trend to deliver in secondary and tertiary units. Th ere are three areas requiring attention: working for policy changes, involving the community and supporting midwives to use primary birthing facilities.

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birth centres, normal birth, primary birthing units