Making childbirth a positive experience

The clinical management of labour and childbirth is well understood, but not enough attention is given to making women feel safe, comfortable and positive about their experience.

As well as providing essential information on clinical requirements for preventing and managing maternal mortality and morbidity, WHO prioritises the psychological and emotional needs of women giving birth. 

In some settings, women are receiving too many interventions too late; in other settings women receive too many interventions that they may not need, too soon. WHO addresses safe and appropriate use of caesarean sections, promoting an environment that involves women in decision making and averts mistreatment during childbirth in health facilities.

Maternal health mirrors the gap between the rich and the poor. WHO insists that a positive childbirth experience should meet a woman’s personal and sociocultural beliefs and expectations in every setting.

This includes giving birth to a healthy baby in a clinically and psychologically safe environment, assisted by a kind and technically competent health care provider.