19. What Do Evidence-Based Guidelines Say?

All healthcare professionals should ensure that in all birth settings there is a culture of respect for each person as an individual undergoing a significant and emotionally intense life experience, so that the birthing person is in control, is listened to and is cared for with compassion, and that appropriate informed consent is sought.  (17)

Senior staff should demonstrate, through their own words and behavior, appropriate ways of relating to and talking about birthing people and their birth companion(s), and of talking about birth and the choices to be made when giving birth.  (17)