title: Health beliefs and childbirth: is it an illness or a normal life event?
abstract: Midwives' health beliefs related to childbirth are often the cause of conflict in the workplace. A review of the literature on the medical model and the normal life event model of childbirth demonstrates the divergence of these beliefs. The medical model considers childbirth an illness, the outcome is measured in perinatal and maternal mortality rates and the mother is a passive patient. The normal life event model considers childbirth a normal process, the outcome is measured in holistic terms and the mother is an active participant.
authors.forename: H M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Callaghan
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D005260:Female; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D008880:Midwifery; D011247:Pregnancy