The importance of effective support during childbirth

Effective support during childbirth reduces the need for intervention during childbirth and therefore increases women's chances of experiencing normal births. Two theoretical explanations have been suggested for these positive effects: one is that effective support during childbirth aids the passage of the fetus through the pelvic and soft tissues; the other is that it decreases the stress response to childbirth. This article reviews the literature surrounding effective support in childbirth.