Examining the Misogynistic Roots of the Natural Childbirth Movement

Understanding the Natural Childbirth Movement

Natural childbirth is often heralded as a return to a more authentic and empowering birthing experience. The movement advocates for minimal medical intervention during labor and delivery, emphasizing techniques like breathing exercises, laboring positions, and sometimes home births. However, beneath its empowering veneer, the natural childbirth movement has roots that are intertwined with misogynistic ideologies.

The Historical Context

If you’ve ever paid attention to language around birth you will notice the common use of the term “natural.” Prior to birth, this conversation even starts at conception. Often people will say “oh did you conceive naturally” which means without reproductive assistance like in-vitro fertilization. This carries on through pregnancy and birth where people often ask, without reservation, “do you plan to deliver naturally?” This may seem benign on the surface but all we have to do is think of the opposite of the word “natural” to appreciate the bias that comes into play here. 

Calling unmedicated birth “natural” implies that medicated births, often referring to the use of an epidural or a c-secion is therefore “unnatural.” What a harmful implication. Once again, you see this starting at the process of conception. This terminology certainly implies that assisted reproduction is “unnatural.” 

So where did this term “natural childbirth” come from? A white man in the 1930s named Grantly Dick-Read. He has been criticized as being anti-feminist which you can appreciate through some of his quotes…

"Woman fails when she ceases to desire the children for which she was primarily made. Her true emancipation lies in freedom to fulfill her biological purposes.”

"The mother is the factory, and by education and care she can be made more efficient in the art of motherhood."

“the perfection of womanhood” which he defined by being fully conscious and present for birth.

Misogynistic Undercurrents

The natural childbirth movement, despite its intentions, can inadvertently perpetuate misogynistic ideologies by promoting a one-size-fits-all approach to childbirth. Women who choose or require medical interventions may be judged or shamed for not having a 'natural' birth, reinforcing the notion that their choices or bodies are inadequate.

Additionally, the movement often glorifies pain as a rite of passage, suggesting that enduring childbirth without pain relief is a testament to a woman's strength. This narrative can be damaging, as it dismisses the valid needs and preferences of those who seek pain management during labor.

Toxic Femininity

Often as a society we talk about toxic masculinity, but what about toxic femininity? Could the pressure of having a picture perfect conception, pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding experience be toxic femininity? In my experience, it absolutely can. There is no such thing as a perfect journey to motherhood. These are completely absurd expectations we place on women. Who could possibly live up to this? It’s really just a recipe for birthing people to feel endless guilt. 

There is another landmark book that’s often cited in the world of “natural” birth written by Ina May Gaskin called Spiritual Midwifery. It’s an interesting book and details the journey of a midwife on The Farm who does home births. If you read the book you can appreciate the beauty that comes with an uncomplicated home birth; however, you may also notice how many babies were lost in the process. While they had exceptionally positive outcomes with regards to maternal mortality, they also lost 7 babies including Ina May’s. 

Surely, people who choose home births easily face as much criticism as people who choose a medical process. Ideally we would stop feeling so entitled to opinions on what women and birthing people do with their bodies. There’s nothing like having a baby to make you appreciate the endless opinions people have about women’s bodies. “You are going to breastfeed aren’t you?” “Oh, you plan to have a c-section. Why?” “Did you deliver naturally?” “Oh, you did IVF.” 

A Call for Inclusivity

There is no easy way to give birth. A c-section is not the easy way out nor it IVF (ask anyone who's had either). The guilt and shame that come along with trying to start a family is truly endless. Let's support each other's decisions and medical needs. People are often shamed for medical needs completely outside of their control. From IVF to medical births to home births to formula vs. breastfeeding, let's be supportive rather than judgemental.