When discussing birth, we often hear the phrase, “As long as the baby is healthy, that’s all that matters.” While this sentiment comes from a place of love, it can unintentionally dismiss the emotional, physical, and psychological needs of the birthing person. In this episode, we’re diving deep into why birth isn’t just about the baby—it’s also about the person giving birth and the experience they have.
We’ll explore how the glorification of sacrifice in childbirth can lead to dismissive care, the emotional and physical consequences of a narrow birth focus, and how we can reframe birth goals to prioritize both safety and autonomy. Plus, I’ll share actionable steps to help you advocate for a truly empowered birth experience.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✨ Why the phrase “as long as the baby is healthy” is limiting and dismissive
✨ How medical care often prioritizes efficiency over the birthing person’s holistic well-being
✨ The emotional, physical, and long-term effects of a disempowered birth experience
✨ How to create a comprehensive birth plan that includes emotional and psychological needs
✨ The importance of choosing the right birth team and advocating for your preferences
Listen to the episode now:
When discussing birth, a common phrase often arises: “As long as the baby is healthy, that’s all that matters.” While this sentiment comes from a place of love and prioritization of the baby’s well-being, it can unintentionally dismiss the emotional, physical, and psychological needs of the birthing person. Birth is not just about the baby; it is also about the person giving birth and the journey they experience.
The Importance of an Empowered Birth Experience
A healthy baby is, of course, a fundamental goal, but so is a birthing experience that respects and centers the autonomy, dignity, and well-being of the person giving birth. When we only focus on the health of the baby, we risk undermining the agency of the birthing person and diminishing the significance of their experience.
The Glorification of Sacrifice in Childbirth
Society often glorifies sacrifice in childbirth, with themes of martyrdom and the notion that the birthing person's experience is secondary to the outcome. This belief can shape the type of care that parents receive, sometimes sidelining their emotional and psychological well-being in favor of purely medical outcomes.
Medical professionals may prioritize efficiency and perceived safety over the holistic experience of the birthing person. For example, rushing into a cesarean because there is an opening in the OR and hassening the process although both the birthing person and baby are stable without fully considering the birthing person's readiness or emotional state can have lasting effects on their well-being.
The Consequences of a Narrow Birth Focus
1. Emotional Impacts
Many birthing people report feeling dismissed by their care providers, leading to feelings of neglect, disempowerment, and sometimes trauma.
Birth trauma often results not from what happens, but from how the birthing person is treated and whether they feel heard and respected in their care.
2. Physical Impacts
Without proper advocacy, birthing individuals may experience increased interventions that might not have been necessary.
Informed consent can be compromised when decisions are made hastily without fully explaining all options and potential consequences.
3. Long-Term Effects
A negative or traumatic birth experience can contribute to postpartum depression and anxiety.
Strained relationships with care providers and the healthcare system can result from feeling unheard or misled during childbirth.
Reframing Birth Goals for a More Holistic Experience
Instead of focusing only on the baby’s health, we should aim for a balance between safety, autonomy, and emotional well-being. This doesn’t mean having rigid expectations for birth but rather preparing for various scenarios in an informed and empowered way.
Actionable Steps for an Empowered Birth
1. Be Informed and Create a Comprehensive Birth Plan
Learn about your medical options and preferences for interventions.
Consider factors like emotional support, decision-making ground rules, and key elements that will help you feel safe and grounded during birth.
2. Choose the Right Support Team
Find a care provider who aligns with your values.
Consider hiring a doula for advocacy and emotional support.
Ask open-ended questions to your provider about their approach to labor and birth to ensure alignment.
3. Prepare Mindfully
Take a childbirth class that covers both medical and advocacy aspects of birth. A Path to A Powerful Birth is a great option!
Practice mindfulness techniques to reduce fear and anxiety and build confidence.
4. Learn to Advocate for Yourself
Understand your rights in childbirth.
Develop strategies for effective communication with your care team.
Ensure that you are making informed, intentional decisions throughout the process.
A truly successful birth is not just about physical health—it’s about feeling heard, respected, and empowered. When birthing individuals have positive experiences where they feel in control, the benefits extend to both parent and child.
By shifting the narrative around childbirth, we can help create a culture that values and respects every birthing person’s journey, ensuring that they walk away from the experience feeling strong, supported, and celebrated.
Thank You for Listening
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