With the medicalised model of birth that dominates today, we sometimes lose our perspective on this incredible milestone in the life of a woman and her family. It is possible to ensure the safe delivery of a child into this world while remaining respectful of the powerful emotional and spiritual aspects of childbirth.

Every woman has the right to have her fears alleviated and both her physical and emotional needs met during childbirth. Every woman has the right to be treated with love and respect at this pivotal moment in her life.

An active birth is a normal, natural birth, without (some, depending) medical intervention, in which a woman follows her own instinctive responses working with her body to enable her baby to be born. If women were to labour in a relaxing, secure environment with good support and the freedom to move around, most would know instinctively what to do. Active birth enables a labouring woman to respond naturally to her birthing process and to make appropriate choices. Women are encouraged to remain mobile and upright and to adopt the position of their choice during labour and birth and unnecessary restrictions and procedures are minimised. Fundamentally it is an attitude of respect and support for the labouring woman and her family.