Perceptions of childbirth: are women properly informed?

This paper is the second of two examining the differing perceptions of childbirth between women and medical professionals. It has been suggested that the differing views have led to a position where medical knowledge and frames of reference are accepted and legitimated by a system which leaves women feeling alienated and dissatisfied with the conduct of delivery. This paper takes the discussion forward by reviewing the recommendations of the Changing Childbirth document, asking whose responsibility it is to inform women about their condition and treatment, examining the importance of continuity of care to the information-sharing process, the impact that this could have on women's ability to exercise informed choice and, ultimately, assessing whether change is possible.