WHO Recommendations for a Positive Childbirth Experience

Birth is more than a medical event — it is a life-changing experience that can impact families emotionally, physically, and mentally for years to come. According to the World Health Organization, a positive birth experience includes feeling safe, respected, informed, and supported throughout labor, birth, and postpartum.

I believe families deserve evidence-based information and compassionate support to help them make informed decisions during childbirth.

What Supports a Positive Birth Experience?

The WHO highlights several important practices for healthy, low-risk pregnancies:

• Respectful and clear communication from care providers

• Informed decision-making and consent

• Continuous support from a partner, doula, or chosen support person

• Freedom to move and choose labor positions

• Avoiding routine interventions unless medically necessary

• Immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth

• Support for early breastfeeding if desired

Research also shows that continuous labor support like that provided by a doula can improve satisfaction and help families feel more confident and supported during birth.

Interventions Should Be Used Thoughtfully

The WHO does not recommend routine use of interventions such as:

• Artificially speeding up labor without medical reason

• Routine breaking of waters

• Routine episiotomy

• Routine suctioning of healthy newborns

Interventions can absolutely be important and lifesaving when medically needed. However, when used routinely or without clear indication, they may sometimes contribute to a cascade of additional procedures that can leave families feeling overwhelmed, disempowered, or even traumatized by their birth experience. The goal is not to avoid interventions altogether, but to ensure families receive individualized, evidence-based care and are fully included in decisions about their birth. Doulas can play an important supportive role during labor by helping families feel informed, encouraged, and heard during important conversations and decision-making moments in the birth room.

Every Birth Story Matters

There is no single “right” way to give birth. A positive birth experience is one where families feel heard, respected, informed, and supported — regardless of how the birth unfolds.

At Birth Story Doula Services, I am passionate about helping families prepare for birth with confidence, knowledge, and compassionate support.

Source: World Health Organization — WHO Recommendations: Intrapartum Care for a Positive Childbirth Experience