Bringing a design perspective to the childbirth environment, this fascinating book collects and critically examines the knowledge we have. It exposes the social, political, and historical thinking that influences the way birth spaces have been designed and looks at how they can be designed in the future.

The book begins by examining changing historical attitudes towards childbirth and uses maternity and architectural policy and practice to develop this story. It explores both the idea of "fitting childbirth into the machine" and the resistance to this, along with the emergence of the concept of the birth environment.

From there, it describes the best evidence available on how the design of spaces impacts childbirth experiences and outcomes. Drawing on an international selection of case studies, the book provides insights into regional differences in birth culture and environments around the world and offers the opportunity to imagine future birth environments based on the most up-to-date evidence from medicine, midwifery, anthropology, design, and architecture.

Including practical recommendations as well as big-picture thinking, this book is written for all those interested in creating the best possible environments for childbirth as part of supporting a healthy start to a child's life. It is especially relevant for midwives, and other maternity care practitioners and administrators.

Pages: 146, Dimensions: 17.4x17.4cm