Birth Words: Language For a Better Birth

This episode is a rebroadcast of Season 1, Episode 71. In this episode, Sara talks about linguistic relativity, her favorite season shift (from winter to spring) and how the term "due date" can be all kinds of problematic!

Advocacy is one of those topics that can get birth workers taking sides and sharing strong opinions. In this episode, I argue that advocacy is the heart and soul of all client-centered birth work, and I frame it in a way that I think you'll agree with me! Get involved as an advocate at all levels of impact--with individuals, in your local environment, and at the state and federal levels. I close the episode with a call to action to support the Perinatal Workforce Act, complete with an easy step-by-step process to follow and a file to download and share with your representative. Let's join together in support of better birth! Link to download file: https://www.birthwords.com/podcast

In this episode, Ella Mink shares her story of giving birth to her first daughter during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ella was 17 years old at the time and had an amazing water birth at a birth center that ignited her passion for birth, setting her on a path of becoming a birth and postpartum doula and nurse midwife.

In this episode, Sara considers the power of telling your birth story--or your pregnancy or postpartum story. Stories remind us that we are each unique, whole individuals with immeasurable worth and dignity. They highlight the barriers that need to be removed on our path to a better birth experience, and they showcase what's possible if we work together for change. If you'd like to share your story on the podcast, email birthwordspodcast@gmail.com or reach out on Instagram or Facebook (@birthwords).   REFERENCES American Psychological Association. (2021, Ju ne). Carl Rogers, PhD. https://www.apa.org/about/governance/president/carl-r-rogers Council on Social Work Education. (2023). What is Social Work? CSWE. https://www.cswe.org/students/discover-social-work/what-is-social-work/ Mcleod, S., PhD. (2023). Humanistic Approach in Psychology (humanism): Definition & Examples. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/humanistic.html Rogers, C. (1995). A Way of Being, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Sulé, V. T. (2020). Critical race theory. Encyclopedia of Social Work. https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780199975839.013.1329

In this episode, Sara confronts the topic of ethics in the birth space. Unfortunately, ethically objectionable things happen frequently in the birth space. Even more unfortunately, they are often not recognized as such. Using the explanations of ethical fading, Sara explores many ethically questionable things that have been justified to be regularly done during birth.   REFERENCES: Betrán, A. P., Torloni, Zhang, J., & Gülmezoglu, A. M. (2015). WHO Statement on Caesarean Section Rates. Bjog: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 123(5), 667–670. https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.13526 Betran, A. P., Ye, J., Moller, A., Souza, J. P., & Zhang, J. (2021). Trends and projections of caesarean section rates: global and regional estimates. BMJ Global Health, 6(6), e005671. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2021-005671 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022a, February 25). Stats of the states - cesarean delivery rates. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/sosmap/cesarean_births/cesareans.htm#print March of Dimes. (n.d.). Total cesarean deliveries by maternal race: United States, 2019-2021 Average. March of Dimes | PeriStats. https://www.marchofdimes.org/peristats/data?lev=1&obj=1®=99&slev=1&stop=355&top=8 Maturana, H. R., & Varela, F. J. (1992). The Tree of Knowledge: the biological roots of human understanding (p. 247). https://ci.nii.ac.jp/ncid/BA04994769 Tenbrunsel, A. E., & Messick, D. M. (2004). (Links to an external site.) Ethical fading: The role of self-deception in unethical behaviorLinks to an external site.. Social Justice Research, 17(2), 223-236. https://doi.org/10.1023/b:sore.0000027411.35832.53    

After a two-year hibernation, Birth Words is being reborn! Season 2 of Birth Words will offer monthly episodes, plus a new twist... listen to this episode to find out more!

In this episode, Sara discusses what to do when family, friends, or others start telling birth "horror stories" at baby showers or in birthing spaces. She uses the framework of narrative analysis to offer ideas about constructive ways to respond in these situations. REFERENCE: Riessman, Catherine Kohler. Narrative analysis. Vol. 30. Sage, 1993.

In this episode, Sara interviews pelvic floor PT Betty DeLass. Betty discusses the importance of normalizing pelvic health through talking about it! She also makes an exciting announcement about how she's working to improve the perinatal experience for *everyone*! 

Sara summarizes fetal hearing development, then describes the benefits of talking to your baby during pregnancy--for both you and baby!   REFERENCES: Nelson, Lauren J., and Anthony F. Fazio. "Emotional content of talk to the fetus and healthy coping behaviors during pregnancy."  Infant Mental Health Journal 16, no. 3 (1995): 179-191.   Moon, Christine, Hugo Lagercrantz, and Patricia K. Kuhl. "Language experienced in utero affects vowel perception after birth: A two‐country study." Acta paediatrica 102, no. 2 (2013): 156-160.

In this episode, guest Meredith Ashton Cohen uses the metaphor of the changing seasons to describe the menstrual cycle and how to live your best life by better understanding each season of the menstrual cycle.

This week on the podcast, I'm bringing Birth Words back to its roots. I aired the first episode of Birth Words on June 29, 2019. Since then, I've produced over 70 unique episodes, and gained lots of listeners. And this week, I'm rebroadcasting that very first episode. So, if you haven't yet listened to the story of the birth of Birth Words (or even if you have), give this episode a listen!

In this episode, Sara discusses the concept of communicative repertoires: the idea that we modify the way we speak to fit the circumstances we're in and our relationships (real or intended) with the person we're talking to. Sara poses questions for birthgivers and birthworkers to consider as they communicate with others during pregnancy and birth.

In this week's episode, I talk with Michelle Knight about how the process of giving birth was a great teacher that shaped Michelle's approach to life afterward. We also discuss the power of sharing stories about the challenges of our birth and postpartum experiences. Our words can validate these experiences and invite others to find the support they need as we shift identities while moving into parenthood.

In this episode, Sara talks about linguistic relativity, her favorite season shift (from winter to spring) and how the term "due date" can be all kinds of problematic!   Resources: Sapir, Edward, and Benjamin Whorf. "The relation of habitual thought and behavior to language." Language, Thought and Reality (1956): 134-159. Boroditsky, Lera. How Language Shapes the Way We Think. TED. November 2017. Video, 14:04. https://www.ted.com/talks/lera_boroditsky_how_language_shapes_the_way_we_think?language=en#t-855520.

Birthworkers, this one's for you! In this week's special episode, listen to  four birthworkers discuss what they learned from and loved about the Birth Words In-Depth Workshop for Birthworkers. When you're ready to enroll in the workshop, head over to www.birthwords.com/classes and choose the option that works best for you: ONLINE or LIVE (03.27.21 in Lehi, UT).   Earn 8 ICEA contact hours, learn things about language that will improve the care you give your clients and benefit ALL of your interpersonal relations, and have fun while you're at it!   Can't wait to see you there!

In this week's episode, Nikki Shaheed talks about how to discover your heart's question to guide your birth, the various archetypes for approaching the birth experience, and the etiquette for Laborland. Nikki's powerful interview highlights the power of leading with questions, respecting the individuality of each birther and birth experience, and being okay with the unknown.

In this episode, we consider how and to whom we show respect through language. Specifically, we consider the use and impact of titles (or lack thereof) by birth care providers. Sara invites you to be reflective about the care providers you choose, the titles they use or don't use, and the relationships these honorifics support.   REFERENCES: Wardhaugh, Ronald. An introduction to sociolinguistics (2nd Edition). Vol. 28. John Wiley & Sons, 2015.

In this week's episode Kayte Gardner talks about the stories we tell ourselves about birth, birth trauma, and "high-risk" pregnancy and birth. Tune in to hear her tell her stories of loss and feelings of brokenness and of surprising herself and finding a passion in birth work. 

In this episode, Sara discusses the conduit metaphor identified by linguist Michael Reddy. The conduit metaphor is an oversimplification of communication and language. This metaphor assumes that communicating is a simple act of packaging up your meaning in words and sending it to another person, who unproblematically opens it and understands precisely your meaning and intention. But anyone who has ever conversed with anyone knows that this is oversimplified and that communication is fraught with misunderstanding! How does this apply to pregnancy, birth, and postpartum? Sara discusses the role and mission of Birth Words and how, through all of its resources, we dig into the complexity and the power of language and commit to being reflective, intentional, and empowering with our words. REFERENCE: Michael Reddy, "The Conduit Metaphor," in Metaphor and Thought 2, edited by Andrew Ortony (Cambridge: Cambridge University, 1979), 284-324.

In this conversation, Alisa, doula and mother to two (soon to be three) talks about her birth stories. She discusses the people who guided her on her path to her beautiful births, and her orgasmic first birth. She also tells about the work she does with her clients to guide them as they discover and claim their power in parenthood.

This episode is the last in the series on figured worlds. (Other episodes in this series include episodes 59, 61, and 63.) In this episode, Sara discusses her narrow lens and assumptions with regard to figured worlds and birth. Then, we conclude the series on figured worlds by discussing prominent environments, institutions, and values in the birth experience.

This week, meet my husband, Clark, as he tells the stories of the births of our three children and reflects on the roles of preparation and language.   REFERENCES: Gee, James Paul. How to do discourse analysis: A toolkit. Routledge, 2014.

In this episode, Sara talks more about figured worlds and birth, diving into the importance of language, people, and objects. The typical, simplified picture that comes to mind is called a figured world, and it is influenced by the language that we hear and the experiences we've had. Let's be mindful about our language so that we positively influence others' figured worlds about birth!

In this episode, Sara talks more about figured worlds and birth, diving into the importance of language, people, and objects. The typical, simplified picture that comes to mind is called a figured world, and it is influenced by the language that we hear and the experiences we've had. Let's be mindful about our language so that we positively influence others' figured worlds about birth!

In this episode, I interview Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author Laurel Thatcher Ulrich about her book, A Midwife's Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on Her Diary, 1785-1812. We discuss the unique writing style of Martha as an 18th century woman, the changing roles of midwives and doctors at the turn of the 19th century, and the many factors that influence the ways in which women have experienced childbirth over the centuries.

In this episode, we're digging more into figured worlds: the typical story of giving birth. What do people typically assume about the participants, activities, and ways of interacting during pregnancy and birth? REFERENCES: Gee, James Paul. How to do discourse analysis: A toolkit. Routledge, 2014.

I'm thrilled to introduce you this week to the most special of all special guests: my mom, Vicki Collet! Vicki is an an associate professor of elementary education who also teaches doctoral courses in literacy studies. Before her work in teacher preparation, she taught in kindergarten through 12th grade and worked as a literacy coach and district curriculum coordinator. She is passionate about choosing language to positive effect, and has always been an example to me of speaking highly of the gift of giving life.   In this episode, she shares her thoughts about the power of words and inheriting and passing on positive figured worlds about birth.

In this episode, Sara introduces the concept of figured worlds. Figured worlds are the simplified mental perceptions we have of the way things typically work. In birth, common figured worlds hold many families back from having empowered, active birth experiences.   REFERENCES: Gee, James Paul. How to do discourse analysis: A toolkit. Routledge, 2014. Holland, Dorothy C., William Lachicotte Jr, Debra Skinner, and Carole Cain. Identity and agency in cultural worlds. Harvard University Press, 2001.

In this week's episode of Birth Words, I get to introduce you to the lovely Alleah Erica Clarke. Alleah Erica is a yoga teacher, childbirth educator, and gestational coach. She hosts The Partners Workshop, where she helps couples engage as a partnership during pregnancy and birth. In this episode, she discusses how communication between partners--both verbal and nonverbal--can be a powerful force for good during pregnancy and birth.

In this episode, Sara looks at caregiver-client conversations and how they can reinforce asymmetrical power relationships. She invites birthgivers to mindfully choose a midwife or obstetrician who honors your autonomy and power as the one growing and giving life. References: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHiu94RzDhQ Leahy, Margaret M. "Therapy talk: Analyzing therapeutic discourse." Language Speech and Hearing Services in Schools 35, no. 1 (2004): 70-81.

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  

In this episode, Stacey and Chanel, who each chose adoption for their birth children years ago, discuss the important role that language played and continue to plays in the choices.

This episode unpacks the role of silence in the birth space. REFERENCES: Buckley, Sarah. Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering: A Doctor’s Guide to Natural Childbirth and Gentle Early Parenting Choices Berkeley, CA: Celestial Arts, 2009. Patterson, Adam. “Wittgenstein's Silence.” New Narrative. 19 June 2013, https://www.new-narrative.com/2013/06/19/wittgensteins-silence/. Vlăduțescu, Ștefan. "Communication of Silence at Ludwig Wittgenstein: Linguistic Silence." International Letters of Social and Humanistic Sciences 16 (2014): 81-86.

In this episode, Dr. Michelle Coats talks about how she cares for her clients during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. She shares her perspective of the transformative and empowering process of giving life and how she provides physical and emotional support to her clients throughout this miraculous process.

In this episode, Sara introduces the idea of concept metaphors: the metaphors that operate underneath our speech (often subconsciously). She explores several concept metaphors relating to pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum time.

In this episode, Adriana Lozada shares her insights about the power of her birth podcast, Birthful, and the power of positive birth frameworks. She also discusses how language can be a barrier to the physiological unfolding of birth.

This episode is a mash-up of Episode 15 (Affirmations) and Episode 41 (Agentive). Sara talks about the linguistic power of affirmations and the importance of using language that rightly frames the birthgiver as the central agent bringing forth new life, and provides frames and idea seeds for writing powerful affirmations for those preparing to give birth during COVID-19.

In this podcast episode, Hypnobabies founder and director, Kerry Tuschoff, shares her thoughts about the power of language during pregnancy and birth. Kerry gives examples of common phrases used during birth that can be disempowering and induce pain and fear, then offers positive alternatives that frame birth as a powerful, beautiful experience.

In this episode, Sara considers the unique situation of the global COVID-19 pandemic and what birthgivers can do to claim their power as life-giving agents engaged in a praiseworthy work.

This episode is a conversation with Salt Lake area birth photographer Lindsey Rivera. Lindsey discusses her experience with birth and how it has shaped her career as a birth photographer who reveals her clients' beauty and power.

In this episode, Sara talks about some colloquialisms used to refer to pregnancy. REFERENCES: Etymonline. (2020). Pregnant. In Online etymology dictionary. https://www.etymonline.com/word/pregnant Steinmetz, K. (2019, May 11). It's time to rethink the demeaning ways we describe pregnancy. Time. https://time.com/5587321/knocked-up-pregnant-synonyms/  

In this episode, doula Renee Basham shares about the difference validation made in her pregnancy and birth experiences. Renee is the Executive Director of Hope's Embrace, a non-profit organization in Kentucky that provides doula services to those who need them most.