Guidelines for midwife home birth

Abstract

Birthing is a normal physiological activity. With the advances of medicine and technology, there has been a strong trend toward medical interventions for reasons which are not supported by medical indications. This has resulted in a significant increase in the rate of Caesarean Sections amongst those persons who can afford them. The literature indicates that in certain sectors of the South African population, it may be as high as 70%, while the international norm is below 35%.