In today's world, most women in labour come under the care of doctors and nurses. Instead of focusing on the natural process of childbirth, women accept the medical procedures. What happens is that they "give up" responsibility for childbirth rather than "going along" with the process. The attitude of the medical personnel can often affect the birth process so that it bears little resemblance to its normal, natural state.

In the past, childbirth was an event young women witnessed and quite possibly assisted with. Women's knowledge of birth came through stories, observation and direct experiences. Their attitude toward birth was full of trust mixed with a healthy respect and awe for the risks involved.