ABSTRACT
The notion of 'birth centres' has gradually evolved over recent decades. In the United States, the term 'birth centre' covers a number of organizational models, including facilities run by midwives or jointly run by midwives and obstetricians, and a mixture of state or private provision. Alongside the free-standing model, which is geographically distant from a maternity hospital, birth centres are also understood as integrated facilities adjacent to obstetric units. Thus free-standing birth centres (FSBCs) and integrated birth centres (IBCs), both of which are midwifery led, are the two models that characterize birth centres within the UK. The normality of birth was reinforced by the birth centre care, which was noninterventionist as a consequence. It was clear that pregnancy and birth were viewed as normal life experiences and that therefore the birth process needed nurture and respect. The birth centre is staffed by midwives and maternity care assistants (MCAs).
