Active birth

Introduction

This course is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals in supporting women during labour and birth. This course focuses on the principles of active birth, emphasising the importance of promoting freedom of movement and empowering women to actively participate in their birthing experience. The course covers evidence-based practices, communication techniques, and strategies for assisting women in adopting various positions. Last updated 2023.

Learning aims and objectives

The aim of this essential course is to increase knowledge around the support in active and upright birth techniques for childbearing women during labour and birth, to enable them to optimise positive, safe outcomes and experiences.

– Understand the importance and context of active birth
– Increase knowledge of active birth positions
– Appreciate ways to support active birth
– Explore the benefits of active birth
– Review ways of overcoming the barrier to optimal birth positions

Keywords

active birth, upright birth, activity, walking, standing, squatting, kneeling

Curriculum quality standards

International Confederation of Midwives, Essential Competencies for Midwifery Practice (2018); Category 3; Care during labour and birth

Lancet Series; Evidence informed framework for maternal and newborn care; promotion of normal processes; prevention of complications