Episode 46: The Impact of Language During Birth

As we work with laboring individuals it is important to understand the impact of language on the birth experience.

When working with families in the postpartum period, hearing a client’s birth story is often a part of the doula/client relationship. Understanding the subtext of a client’s birth story is a process that isn’t often taught in many doula workshops.

As a result, it is vital that labor and postpartum doulas understand the power that words have. Words that can either build up or strip away the confidence of the birthing person.

Birth is a process that brings both mental and physical vulnerability.

In this episode, we break down one doula’s birth. We explore the powerful impact that words had on their confidence. How words so casually said can have such a deep and lasting impact.

We explore how the unintentional dynamics between the provider and the birthing person can shake one’s confidence. Leaving insecurity and self-doubt in their wake.

Even the most innocuous phrases can undermine confidence.

“One of the most magical tools we have as doulas is that we go slow. We are not in a rush. We discuss. We ask thought-provoking questions. Listen to the answer. Allow that answer to take us to the next thought-provoking question.

We move slowly and unpack and discuss our client’s questions and experiences.”

Come join us as we explore the nuance of language and how to unpack the impact of language during labor and birth with special guest, Randy Patterson.