WHAT IS A 'PHYSIOLOGICAL BIRTH'? EXPLORING THE UNDERSTANDING OF OBSTETRICIANS, MIDWIVES, DOULAS, WOMEN/BIRTHING PEOPLE AND SUPPORT PEOPLE IN THE CONTEMPORARY AUSTRALIAN SETTING.

This article examines the concept of "physiological birth" within the contemporary Australian maternity context, highlighting its lack of a clear, shared definition among obstetricians, midwives, doulas, birthing people, and support persons. The PRIMROSE Project, a national study, reveals diverse and sometimes conflicting views on what constitutes physiological birth, with some emphasizing spontaneous labor and vaginal birth without major interventions, while others include certain interventions as compatible. The study underscores concerns that defining physiological birth primarily by the absence of intervention can marginalize those whose births involve medical support and complicate meaningful measurement and reporting. The article suggests shifting focus from rigid definitions toward promoting safe, empowering, and autonomous births that respect individual choices and experiences.