Soo Downe

Professor Soo Downe is a distinguished academic and researcher at the University of Central Lancashire's School of Nursing and Midwifery, where she holds the position of Professor of Midwifery Studies. With an extensive publication record of over 211 scholarly works, her research spans multiple methodologies including phenomenology, ethnography, surveys, RCTs, and epidemiological analysis of large datasets. She maintains strong international connections, regularly collaborating with the World Health Organization and global maternity care leaders.

Downe's research interests focus primarily on the nature of and cultures around physiological labour and birth. Her work explores how birth environments, practices, and care models influence women's experiences and outcomes. She has developed particular expertise in salutogenic approaches to birth - examining what creates positive birth experiences rather than focusing solely on problems. Her recent work has addressed trauma-informed maternity care, group B streptococcus screening, compassionate care during childbirth, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternity services.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on women-centered approaches to maternity care, with growing attention to mental health aspects of birth, trauma-informed care models, and the implementation of evidence-based practices in real-world settings. Her work often employs mixed-methods approaches that combine quantitative analysis with rich qualitative insights from women's experiences.

Professor Downe actively contributes to shaping maternity care policy through her research on midwifery models of care, caesarean section rates, and health system interventions. Her work with the WHO and international research collaborations demonstrates her significant influence on global maternity care practices and policies.