Towards a relational model of decision-making in midwifery care.

Objective: current individualistic ideas of autonomy and decision making do not fit within the context of decision-making in the midwife-woman relationship. This article critically explores current issues around decision-making and proposes a relational decision-making model for midwifery care.

Design: qualitative prenatal and postnatal interviews around decision-making within childbirth in general, and the third stage of labour in particular.