‘Normality’, Fear and the Media

Haskey, Mollie

The use of ‘normal’ birth has become a part of contentious debate in recent months within midwifery, particularly across social media outlets. This article will look at defining ‘normality’ and whether we should be using ‘normal’ as a term at all within midwifery practice, with respect to the recent reports on maternity and perinatal services. There will be analysis of the impacts this terminology has on women’s perceptions and social constructs of birth, and a delve into how the media is impacting fear and the physiological birth crisis.

The Practising Midwife, 2022, Vol 25, Issue 6, p30

1461-3123

10.55975/lwgf1793