Let's Dispel Societal Birth Myths that have been around through the generations
In a world where societal beliefs about pregnancy and birth often diverge from the actual realities of the experience, there are beliefs that do not quite match up with the reality of how births happen today, and often cost a positive birth experience. This often leads to unnecessary fear and confusion that spreads easily. As someone who is passionate about teaching expectant parents and advocating for better birth experiences, my goal is to clear up these misconceptions. I want to share facts based on evidence, giving women the knowledge to take charge of their birthing experiences. Let's shine a light on these common myths, question them, and open the door to making choices with confidence..
Myth 1: Birth Is Fast and Dramatic
Let's set the record straight on a big myth: the idea that giving birth is like a crazy, fast scene from the movies. Forget what you've seen on the screen—real birth is nothing like that.
You have probably watched scenes where a woman is screaming in pain, things are getting super intense, and bam, the baby's born in a taxi. But the truth is, most births don't go down like that. They are often slow and kind of, well, boring. Most births take a long time. While we are used to quick fixes and instant everything, the reality of childbirth is more of a slow dance. It is a process where a woman's body gradually adjusts to make way for the baby, step by step. Patience is the name of the game, and each birthing experience has its own unique rhythm, far from the fast-paced stories we usually hear. It is important to get ready to go into the labour with the right expectations; that the birth will likely take some time.
Myth 2: Labour Is Painful
One big fear for many women is the pain during labour. People make it out like it is the most painful thing ever, and some even say women cannot handle it physically. These often being men. But here is the thing: pain is different for everyone, and you can change how you see the pain. It depends on your own body, experiences, and lifestyle. The idea that labour has to hurt a lot just adds to the fear.
The truth is, your body releases natural pain relievers like endorphins and oxytocin during labour. It is not this constant, unbearable pain. The contractions or surges get intense for a bit, then ease up, giving you a break before the next one. Everyone feels it differently—some more, some less. Knowing that the sensations can be strong but manageable with support, breathing, and movement is important, so one knows what to expect. Pain is not the same for everyone.
Because the contractions can be tough, it is smart to save your energy for birthing. Relax during breaks between contractions. When you get tired, that is when it can start feeling painful, especially in long labours.
The problem is, labour is often made out to be so painful that some women ask for pain relief drugs before it even gets really tough, just because they think they cannot handle it. They might not even need it, but they would not know. Or they use drugs, and they do not live up to what they expected— they do not actually help. Figuring out when you really need pain relief and what kind will actually make labour easier for you is important. If you do decide on drugs, make sure you know the risks and benefits for each. They should help, not make things harder. Not every drug is as helpful as it seems.
Birth is not a painful storm to weather; it is a powerful wave of transformation, bringing forth life with each gentle surge of strength and resilience - Unknown
Myth 3: You Have to Give Birth at a Hospital
Thinking that hospitals are the only place to give birth is old-fashioned. The truth is, women can choose where they want to give birth—in a hospital, a birthing centre, or even at home. Every woman has the right to pick where she feels most comfortable and can have an uninterrupted labour. That is what matters. The issue with hospitals is that often are not providing that environment for an uninterrupted labour. Research even says that having a baby at home is just as safe as doing it in a hospital, and it is less likely to involve medical interventions, such as induction or having a C-section.
I personally gave birth at home twice. Initially I also did not even know it was an option until my first pregnancy. It was an amazing experience, I got two midwives to come to me to my house and I had my babies physiologically without any medical interventions or pain relief. Or any drama. Being at home made it as easy as possible for me.
If a woman is in an unfamiliar place, the birth process may be interrupted - the moment she leaves her front door, everything changes. - Michel Odent, French Obstetrician
Myth 4: You Have to Have Medical Interventions
Now, let's dive into the world of medical interventions. These are things that can mess with the natural course of your labour—like drugs, vaginal examinations to check dilation, or jumpstarting labour with induction.
Sure, there are times when medical interventions are necessary and backed by solid evidence, and it is even life-saving. But unfortunately way too often nowadays, the interventions are done routinely without strong evidence to support them, affecting too many women. It is crucial to ask for the reasons behind a recommendation and the evidence supporting it. Then based on the objective information you are given, if you manage to get any, you can assess the benefits and risks for yourself. Many times, these interventions happen just because it is part of the routine or follows guidelines that are not necessarily based on robust evidence.
That is why getting informed is so important. Whether through antenatal classes or your own research, there is a plenty of good information out there. Making informed decisions puts the power in your hands. You can choose interventions based on your actual needs, not just because it is a medical routine procedure. Routine procedures do not consider individual circumstances. Knowing the pros and cons of medical interventions empowers you to make choices that align with your unique birthing journey. Take a moment to reflect – do you really need that induction? Being proactive in preventing unnecessary interventions is crucial, as the reality is that they can pose more harm than good to a healthy woman.
Myth 5: You Have to Have a Doctor for Your Birth
There is a common belief that you cannot give birth without a doctor, but that is not the reality. Doctors or obstetricians are crucial when there are complications in your pregnancy, such as problems, the need for labour induction, or a necessary caesarean. The doctors specialise in handling complications, but they do not often see normal physiological births ie. when births go well. In truth, having a doctor around may not be what you actually want. Their expertise lies in managing issues, and having them present might unconsciously influence the perception of your birth.
Midwives, on the other hand, are experts in facilitating natural and physiological births. Highly skilled midwives and birth attendants provide safe and supportive care. With a focus on normal physiological birth, midwives offer compassionate, woman-centred care, ensuring that your birthing experience is guided by expertise in the natural process rather than managing complications. In reality, a woman's body knows how to give birth without the constant need for external intervention - without no one. While having someone to cheer you on can be comforting, trusting your body is enough. Women's bodies have innate knowledge that have guided them in birthing babies for as long as humans have been around. Myth 6: The Doctor Knows Better Than You
Doctors play a crucial role in pregnancies and labors, unquestionably saving lives when needed. We are fortunate to have medical interventions like caesareans for situations where they are genuinely necessary. Obstetricians are specialists in managing complications during pregnancy and labour, particularly when things go wrong. However, there comes a point where we may be overstepping the bounds of necessity. Medical interventions are increasingly applied universally, regardless of a person's health, age, or circumstances. For instance, all women in the US are induced at 40 weeks of pregnancy, and over 60% of labors in the UK are induced. Do all these inductions truly align with the needs of 60% of women? And why are women in the US not allowed to go past 40 weeks without induction? Is it because 60% of women are physically incapable of going into labour on their own? These questions warrant thoughtful consideration.
Birth is a natural process. Our bodies, especially women's bodies, are inherently designed for giving birth. Everything collaborates harmoniously – our body maintains a consistent temperature for the womb, menstrual cycles keep us fertile, and our bodies naturally nurture the growth of a whole human being. All of this happens without external assistance. Labor and birth are integral parts of this natural plan. Our bodies instinctively know what to do, operating within a complex system that we may not fully comprehend. Hormones, uterine muscles, and the pain-relieving power of hormones all function autonomously, requiring no exhaustive study of birth physiology for one to be able to birth a baby. In an ideal world, there would be no need to prepare for birth; our bodies would manage it seamlessly. All that is required is to trust our bodies, listen to them, and navigate the contractions as best as possible.
It is essential to remember that doctors do not possess comprehensive knowledge of our health history or how our unique bodies handle pain and challenges. They may not predict our reaction to induction or a specific drug accurately. While their experience serves as a guide, suggestions are often rooted in medical guidelines, creating potential conflicts with our best interests. Achieving a positive birth experience necessitates preparation, research, asking questions from your doctor. Although it demands time and courage, the results can be transformative. Engaging in open discussions with your doctor is crucial, and if your concerns are not addressed, remember that you always have the option to change doctors or hospitals. Decisions about your birth should ultimately rest with you. Recommendations may be offered, but the power to agree or disagree lies in your hands. Your body, your choices, your birth – each holds significant weight. The partnership with your healthcare provider should be characterised by mutual respect and collaboration, not coercion or threats.
Myth 7: The Baby Will Not Fit Into a Woman's Pelvis
Absolutely not true. Your female body is built for giving birth. Scientifically, nature has designed it to expel the baby; trust in its abilities. The dynamics of the pelvis are intricate, and your body adjusts as the baby moves down the pelvic canal. Trusting in the natural alignment of your body and your baby is key to a positive birthing experience.
Contrary to what some may say, your body can't make a baby too big or small for your pelvis or vagina. Your baby is just the right size for you!
Take Charge for Your Own Pregnancy and Birth for a Positive Birth Experience
In a world where fear often overshadows the positive, empowering birth stories, it is crucial to question societal myths. The truth is, many positive experiences are simply non-dramatic — and those stories do not get shared. By challenging these myths, embracing evidence-based knowledge, and reclaiming our birthing narratives, we pave the way for a future where women are informed, empowered, and supported on their journey to motherhood. Let's start the conversation, share the positive, and change the way we find out about births be realistic. Prepare for your birth with me? Sign up to receive my FREE "Positive Birth Essentials" E-Book via the link below. https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/343044/99196326438241951/share
Cannot wait to get you ready for your birth!
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