Response to Michelle Goldberg recent Op ed “Mothers Are Told That Natural Childbirth Is Best. It isn’t”
Dear Michelle,
Thank you for sharing this thought-provoking article. It underscores the complex feelings and opinions many people have about birth and the influence of societal norms and medical practices on these experiences.
One key aspect often overlooked in these discussions, including in your op-ed, is the importance of being well-informed and understanding consent. Women have historically been taught to distrust their bodies, conform to societal expectations ('good girl'), and defer to medical authorities (fawn). This has led to a significant loss of confidence in our ability to birth.
The article mentions the “natural-parenting movement” and its impact on women who undergo cesareans or medical interventions. While it's true that cesareans are sometimes necessary, the narrative that ‘missing out on a vaginal birth is a tragedy’ is both harmful and (in the same breath) true. What I would have loved to tell your friend with a breech baby is that if she wanted, she could still have a physiological breech birth. You just need to find the right practitioner to accompany her on that path. However by the sound of it, “felt relieved”, she wasn’t making her own choices.
The fear-mongering language in this article is disappointing and adds another layer to the societal pressure around birth. It makes me wonder if the author has unresolved trauma stemming from a lack of being informed about their own choices and rights, as well as worrying about what other people think. It’s essential to address these fears with accurate information and support, rather than perpetuating anxiety and misinformation. “Obstetric fistula and haemorrhaging to death” - do you even know the rates of this occurring? Extremely low and completely pointless to raise here. You, as a jounalist, have an ethical responsibilty (just like in your political op-eds) to lay down all the facts. I think you missed the mark here.
In the US, the situation is exacerbated by the lack of maternity leave rights and regulations, which drastically affects breastfeeding rates and adds stress to new mothers. It's crucial to remember: your body, your pregnancy, your birth. Being informed and making decisions based on accurate data and research empowers women to trust their instincts and bodies. If you don't want to breastfeed, don't. If you can't breastfeed and this was a goal of yours, I'm sorry. But don't take away the efforts of those who choose to breastfeed, let alone exclusively breastfeed. Those points were just daft.
I've personally experienced both an “emergency” cesarean and a physiological birth, and I can confidently say that the latter was more favourable. We are built to birth, and if that is your goal, it is achievable. While necessary interventions have contributed to the evolution of childbirth, many are unnecessary, fueling the horrific statistic that 1 in 3 birthing people have trauma associated with their birth. Consuming the right information and trusting your body are key.
If things go pear-shaped in birth, yes, we are incredibly lucky to have the medical practitioners we have. But let's not over-exercise their (OBGYNs specifically) ability over ours. After all, OBGYNs are only taught risk-averse knowledge in college/university, nothing to do with physiological birth. Makes you think, huh?
As for the comments on Ina May Gaskin, I actually scoffed/laughed at this one. Though this is an op-ed, you clearly don't understand the gravity of her practice and teachings. She is pro-women and pro-choice, which I think you're trying (?) to convey in this opinion... Although I find it hard to follow through your chosen stats and language. Ultimately, she is pro you.
So let's move away from terms like "natural labor" (we already have) and focus on informed, empowered birthing experiences. Your body, your choices. Be informed and make shared decisions that are best for you and your baby.
With (not so much) Gratitude,
Julia
ps - Happy World Breastfeeding Week