“Good Birth” Takes the Place of “Natural Birth,” and We’re Here for It

If you’ve been involved in childbirth, you’ve likely heard the term “natural birth.” Often, people will ask, “Did you have a natural birth?” This question can feel invasive and shame-inducing. Every birth is a personal journey, and individuals shouldn’t have to explain or justify their choices. Everyone’s experience is unique, and what matters most is what works best for them.

Acknowledging the issues surrounding this terminology, The New York Times parenting section opted to retire the phrase “natural birth” in 2019. They recognized that this label could inadvertently shame women whose experiences didn’t fit that mold—whether they had C-sections, required induction, or simply sought pain relief. No one should feel judged for their birthing decisions, which is why it’s time to move away from this terminology.

The challenge with the term “natural birth” lies in its ambiguity. It can mean different things to different people, but generally, it refers to a vaginal birth without medication. As Saleemah J. McNeil, a reproductive psychotherapist and birth doula, points out, modern birthing practices and the revival of midwifery are rooted in ancestral traditions that favor unmedicated births. Additionally, she notes that insurance companies often prefer the term “natural” since it is generally associated with lower costs than births involving medical interventions.

The term has also been used broadly to encompass other non-medical interventions during childbirth. For some, a “natural birth” might mean avoiding cervical checks, vitamin K shots for their baby, or choosing when to cut the cord. Given the complexity and varying interpretations of the term, it’s clear that it’s time to abandon it.

Childbirth is an intensely personal experience filled with countless decisions, often needing to be adjusted at the last moment. The label “natural birth” can inadvertently cast judgment on those who make different choices, leading to feelings of shame for those whose plans didn’t unfold as expected.

Where Did the Phrase “Natural Birth” Originate?

The term was coined by British doctor Grantly Dick-Reed in 1933 in his book, Natural Childbirth. He theorized that declining birth rates among the middle and upper class were due to women’s fears of childbirth pain. His goal was to help women relax, believing that their fear caused unnecessary tension and impacted fertility. By the time Dick-Reed introduced the concept to the United States in the 1940s, it was already recognized under less stigmatizing names such as “pain-free childbirth.” The movement gained momentum in the 1970s, fueled by influential books like Ina May Gaskin’s Spiritual Midwifery, which celebrated unmedicated home births.

Historically, many doctors employed questionable practices during childbirth, often disregarding women’s autonomy. The natural birth movement of the 1970s sought to empower women and reclaim control over their birthing experiences. However, the term “natural birth” has now become a source of shame for many, and it’s crucial to evolve our language around childbirth. Today, people have more autonomy and choice in their birthing experiences, whether it involves medication, C-sections, surrogacy, or adoption.

Language is important. Choosing inclusive terminology acknowledges that every individual’s experience matters, especially in the context of childbirth. Motherhood is rife with judgment, and commenting on someone’s birthing journey can be insensitive, as it overlooks the complexities of their choices. There’s no room for shame or negativity surrounding how one gives birth.

The Shift to “Good Birth”

The New York Times is now shifting towards the term “good birth” instead of “natural birth.” Dr. Sarah Mitchell, an obstetrician and author of A Good Birth: Embracing the Positive Aspects of Childbirth, conducted research involving diverse women with varied birthing experiences. Her findings suggest that a “good birth” includes:

Agency: The ability to make informed choices, even if plans change.
Personal Security: Feeling safe during the birthing process.
Connectedness: Establishing a bond with medical providers, family, and the baby.
Respect: Recognizing the transformative nature of childbirth.
Knowledge: Understanding both one’s body and the unpredictable nature of birth.

By framing the conversation around “good birth,” we empower individuals to focus on the quality of their experiences rather than the methods used. Whether a birth is vaginal or via C-section, medicated or unmedicated, the emphasis should be on feeling respected and heard during the experience.

For more insights on this topic, check out this informative blog post.

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“Good Birth” Takes the Place of “Natural Birth,” and We’re Here for It

Where Did the Phrase “Natural Birth” Originate?

The Shift to “Good Birth”

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