Getting beyond the polarisation of childbirth: Finding common ground
Professor Sue Ziebland and Professor Lesley Page
Background
Discourse around childbirth (including pregnancy, labour, birth and the early life) has become polarised, particularly around spontaneous vaginal birth vs intervention in childbirth. This creates divisiveness and may reduce access to the care that individual women, their babies and families need and prefer. In this case there is the potential for harm to the woman, her baby, and family. Disagreements from the polarities can also divert attention from the complex problems that currently beset UK maternity services.
Two in-person meetings were organised at Green Templeton College.
