Birth Words: Language For a Better Birth

In this episode, Sara interviews author and historian Lara Freidenfelds about her book The Myth of the Perfect Pregnancy. Lara discusses the knowledge we've gained about early pregnancy and miscarriage, as well as wisdom we've lost from earlier times.

In this episode, Sara considers the importance of using language that recognizes the power of birthgivers! She takes a critical look at some common descriptions and depictions of childbirth.

Links for Excerpts and Clip Discussed:

https://medlineplus.gov/childbirth.html

https://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/delivery-methods

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwP__y5lEHM

This episode is an interview with licensed massage therapist Kristy Burtenshaw. Kristy discusses the role that fascia plays in the physiological and emotional process of birth, and how our words play an important supporting role in that process.

Heading in to year two of the Birth Words podcast, we'll be shifting to an every-other-week schedule. Tune in next week for another episode of Birth Words!

In this episode, Sara considers the effects of our words. She invites birthgivers and birth workers alike to be intentional about using words that point towards positive change and honor the power of those who give life.

In this episode, birth videographer and podcast host Sarah Asay talks about birth videography and how she uses video as a mediating tool to capture birth experiences and communicate powerful messages.

In this episode, Sara invites listeners to be reflective about the words that they use in the realms of racial injustice and in all aspects of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

This special episode is a rebroadcast of a conversation with Dr. Sayida Peprah, previously aired as episode 28. In this interview, Dr. Sayida discusses the importance of being authentic, humble, and curious when interacting with others from different cultures or circumstances.

In this episode, mother Jess Burdette shares the stories of her two home births, which she prepared for with Hypnobabies. She discusses the importance of being intentional about the words and stories we let into our pregnancies and birth experiences, and the power of encouraging words.

In this episode, we revisit the topic of silence and discuss how silence, though appropriate in some scenarios, is inappropriate in others. We consider the death of George Floyd, the astonishingly high maternal mortality rate for birthgivers of color in the US, and commit to use our voices to rise above silence and create a more peaceful world.

REFERENCES:

Austin, John. "How to Do Things with Words." In The Discourse Reader, edited by Adam Jaworski and Nikolas, 51-61. New York, NY: Routledge, 2014.

"Reproductive Injustice: Racial and Gender Discrimination in U.S. Healthcare." Center for Reproductive Rights, 20144. https://cdn2.sph.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2017/06/Reproductive-injustice.pdf.

https://cdn2.sph.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2017/06/Reproductive-injustice.pdf