CONCLUSION
Authors: Hundley, V., Cheyne, H.
Publication Date: 01/01/2026
Pages: 111-114
DOI: 10.4324/9781003507192-16
Abstract:The final chapter of the book summarises the chapters that have explored the history and the challenges for women, midwives, and obstetricians regarding the early phase of labour. The authors argue that achieving a woman-centred service requires a rethink, and they offer suggestions to those responsible for developing and providing maternity services. These recommendations include involving women in the co-design of flexible, woman-centred admission protocols that recognise the variability of early labour experiences, developing intermediate care models to bridge the gap between home and hospital, and harnessing the potential opportunities offered by digital tools while recognising the importance of relational models of care and consistent, empathetic communication. A key recommendation is to use lessons from international models (e.g., Denmark), where early labour care is integrated into a continuum of support..
Source: Scopus