The NPEU report ‘International comparison of caesarean birth rates, 2020 – 2025’, published on 5th June 2026, describes a marked increase in the caesarean birth (CB) rate in...
Caesarean Birth Rates – reflections on discussion in the media
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Category: Blog
Neurodiversity in maternity care: why it is a safety and equity issue, and the reasonable adjustments that help
This blog post was written by Laura Spence. She is a midwife, MSc Perinatal Mental Health, and founder of NeuroNatal Academy CIC, focused on neuroinclusive maternity care (ADHD,...
Is Avoidable Serious Harm in Childbirth Associated with ‘Normal Birth Ideology’ – or ‘Not Doing Our Job Properly’?
It’s official – the concept of ‘pursuit of normal birth at any cost’ will be considered in the national maternity and neonatal investigation. Its scope includes ‘understanding...
The Pursuit of Normal Birth at Any Cost: Where Did it Come From and Where Has it Taken Us?
I believe this dramatic and hurtful (to me) phrase was first introduced in the 2015 report of the Morecambe Bay Investigation by Dr Bill Kirkup, when he wrote, “There was a growing move amongst midwives to pursue normal childbirth ‘at any cost’”
21. THE POISONED APPLE
My baby was born blue and motionless. She didn’t even look real. ‘Is it dead?’ I asked, blurred by morphine. This was my first response to my only child. Beyond the apathy, nothing.
Exploring the Socio-cultural Aspects of Obstetric Interventions Through a Feminist Lens
Childbirth in the UK is defined by societal and cultural beliefs, expectations and customs which influence women’s decisions (Luce et al, 2016). These beliefs become accepted as the ‘norm’ and are based on ideas which emerged