Signs of a healthy birth / Zeichenlehre der gesunden Geburt

Rafaela Joos

Signs of a healthy birth. Observation of the healthy birth process by midwives. Background: «Unique normality», that each person’s uniqueness is normal for them, has been recently postulated in the literature as a new paradigm in midwifery practice. Midwifery skills should include a holistic, woman-centered care during a healthy birth. Instead of a linear approach where, birth should be considered as a circular process. Method: Within the setting of action research, four semi-structured interviews with midwives with expertise in the field of birth centre or homebirth were conducted and an observation chart for the healthy birth was developed. The qualitative interview analysis was carried out with the Mayring method. Results: The multi-faceted knowledge of midwives is demonstrated. A comprehensive observation chart for the observation of a healthy birth could be provided. Conclusions: Each birth is unique and requires continuous individual observation by the supervising midwife.