There are many layers to the induction epidemic.
We can’t take the figures at face value.
We can’t really point blame at any one thing. It has simply crept up on us and bit us in the ass….literally!!
While reading the initial chapters of Milli Hill's revised Positive Birth Book, I came across an insightful point that resonated with my own thoughts over the past year. It left me pondering, feeling a sense of confusion, and contemplating what actions I could take to address this gap in knowledge (which I am still actively exploring, by the way). Hill refers to our generation as the "Three Monkeys," highlighting that we have not witnessed birth, heard birth, nor been openly spoken to about birth.
This observation struck a chord because it acknowledges the lack of exposure, conversation, and understanding surrounding the birthing process in our society. It's natural to feel bewildered and uncertain when we have limited access to information and personal experiences.
Birth, until relatively recently, primarily took place at home, and integrated into people's daily lives. Siblings often witnessed and heard the sounds of birth, making it a normal part of their experience. My Nannie, for example, often reminds me that she birthed her second baby at home, even with the challenges of an occiput posterior position (back to back/sunny side up), using only Entonox (gas and air). In her words, "It was hard work, but I persevered, I knew I could do it".
Fast forward to my mother's generation, and birth became a more medicalised experience. Procedures such as pubic shaving and enemas were routine and newborns were often whisked away to nurseries, separated from their mothers.
Now, in my generation, we have not had the opportunity to witness birth firsthand. Instead, we have absorbed societal messages that instill fear and portray birth as the most excruciating experience imaginable. This fear triggers the release of adrenaline, disrupting the birthing process and contributing to a cycle of anxiety and pain.
Breaking away from this vicious circle is indeed a challenge. However, there is hope for change. By educating ourselves, we can reclaim the knowledge and understanding that has been lost or at least a good start!
I have a very close friend and I am truly inspired by both her and her mother's home birth experiences. They have both birthed all of their babies at home with a deep understanding of birth in its rawest form. This allowed them to approach birth without too much fear or doubt.
By being exposed to birth in its rawest form, my friend developed a deep understanding of the birthing process, free from fear and negative expectations. She didn't feel the need for hypnobirthing courses because her subconscious wasn't influenced by negative stories. Interestingly, she actually became more anxious with each subsequent pregnancy as she became more aware of the fear and negative experiences surrounding birth, which affected her own nervousness.
You see the thing is, birth does work!! During my teaching, I often talk about the comparison between the process of birth and the functioning of our lungs. Birth, like our respiratory system, is indeed a remarkable and intricate process that, in most cases, works smoothly without the need for medical intervention. I rarely come across people who would question their lungs ability to work! Yet we question our ability to birth every day!
The human body is designed to give birth, and the uterus, as a powerful muscle, has the ability to contract and bring a baby into the world. Similarly, a baby's head is designed to mold and adapt to fit through the pelvis during childbirth. These inherent physiological capabilities demonstrate the innate potential for birth to occur without extensive medical assistance.
However, birth has become increasingly medicalised in many settings and across the World! Factors such as fear, litigation concerns, rigid categorisation of low risk/high risk, and a focus on ticking boxes can undermine a woman's confidence in her body's ability to birth her baby. When the medical system questions a mother's intuition and restricts her choices, it contributes to a culture of fear surrounding birth.
We can’t solely point the blame at the maternity system for the current state of childbirth practices. Many doctors and midwives genuinely strive to provide the best care and support for birthing individuals and their families. It is important to know and acknowledge this.
I was sent an online forum by a friend the other day. There people were discussing how they could make a doctor agree to an induction of labour. These women were desperate (for many reasons) and I believe that fear was likely the main driver. I sat with my head in my hands. Induction of labour is not always the answer.
So what is the answer……well a good antenatal education/ birth preparation course would be a really good start. Currently local to me the maternity unit does not offer any face to face antenatal classes!! There are literally thousands of women and birthing people entering a maternity system completely blind.
Education around what is normal and what to expect towards the end of pregnancy. What their options and rights are would be an incredibly good starting point. It might help reduce the induction of labour rate but who really knows?
We can also very happily and easily hand all of our power (and therefore bodies) to the medical professionals. It is ingrained that doctors, nurses etc know best and why would you question them? To an extent this is correct! They have X amount of years in training and practice. But the thing that you need to know and remember is that they also have to follow policies and guidance. These policies and guidances become very quickly out of date once written and they aren’t always based on the best available evidence! Furthermore, they are designed and written for the vast birthing population. You are a drop in the ocean and that policy may not be the right fit for you! You have a right to individualised care, care tailored to your pregnancy and labour.
I’m not comfortable with a 46% induction of labour rate and neither should you. If nearly 50% of births required this level of medical intervention the human race will soon be extinct.
If you are currently pregnant or thinking about having a baby soon. Please start reading there are so many informative resources out there for you. Blogs, books, and social media pages to name a few. Think about a solid evidence based antenatal/ Birth Preparation course. One ran by someone who is highly experienced, understands the system and actively keeps their skills and knowledge up. Do your reading and do your research.
If you want to go with the flow, you need to understand the maternity system that you are flowing in!! There is a huge difference between going with the institutional flow and YOUR flow….trust me! Sticking your head in the sand and hoping for the best also won’t end well!
Medicine is not evil, it can be life saving.
Health professionals aren’t all bad. The majority are doing the best that they can.
Hierarchy and power is a problem
But you are also powerful and as the birthing woman/ person you have one thing that no health professional, family member or friend has! You have your intuition. That deep feeling that something is either right or wrong. Please always remember that.
We are all driving the train of induction and we all need to get off! It's essential to foster open discussions, challenge the prevailing fear-based narrative, and advocate for a birth culture that respects individual choices and experiences.
Together, we can work towards creating a more positive and empowering environment for birthing individuals and their families. For the sake of the future generations, if not our own.
I run monthly group courses in person in Shrewsbury and teach privately all over the country either in person or via zoom if you live further away. I have 15 years experience of working within the maternity system. I have seen it change. I know it and I understand it. I can take you from overwhelmed and anxious to informed and prepared. I will support you every step of the way.
Please visit the website for more information www.birthnerd.co.uk or email me steph@birthnerd.co.uk
Recommended reading/ websites