The word 'midwife' literally means 'with woman', indicating a role of support. Having a baby isn't just a physical or medical act, it's an important step in a woman's life during which she needs proper support and care. In 80% of cases, birth happens as naturally as possible, but midwives in the UK are increasingly worried about the rising rate of caesarean sections and the medicalisation of birth, which can leave the new mum feeling cut off from the birthing process and human exchange at the moment she is at her most fragile. The Royal College of Midwives has launched the Campaign for Normal Birth, which aims to support midwives in ensuring birth is kept as natural as possible, with a minimum of intervention. "Pregnancy is perceived less and less as a natural process. We intellectualise it too much, seeing having a baby as a project like any other," said one midwife we spoke to. But despite the diffculties of her profession, she highlighted how fulfilling it is: "It's an extraordinary job. We witness the creation of new life every day".