The events of the last few months have sounded the death knoll for midwifery and woman centred care not just in the UK but throughout the world. Included in this journal are examples from around the world of the ongoing witch hunt which threatens to wipe out not only choice but safety and normality in pregnancy and birth. Although this journal is largely filled with stories of midwives and behind the scenes politics its content is deeply relevant for every woman of childbearing age. A pregnant woman, possibly picking up a copy of the AIMS Journal for the first time, will probably be unaware of the battles that have taken place over the years to try and change the direction of the juggernaught of obstetric dominated maternity care. As the event of this year have shown, it is like building a sandcastle to hold back the tide.
Most women begin their pregnancies wanting a normal birth.
During the course of their pregnancies most will read books and leaflets, buy magazines and watch TV programmes. Many will feel a rising sense of panic as what appeared to be a normal life event at first, is increasingly treated like a medical emergency. Although pregnant women, particularly first time mothers, will have read or heard about routine interventions such as induction, acceleration, fetal monitoring, breaking the waters and epidurals it is unlikely that they will be helped to understand the implications of having any of these procedures. Many simply put their faith in their doctor and midwife. If a woman does achieve a normal birth in a hospital it may well be because she was cared for by one of the few midwives practising there.