Impolite Birth: Provider Perspectives on Vocalization During Childbirth

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Sociology of Health
• Midwifery Studies

Background:

• Vocalization during childbirth is common but under-researched from a provider perspective.
• Existing literature lacks insight into healthcare professionals' attitudes toward birth sounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore healthcare providers' perspectives on vocalization during labor and birth.
• To understand attitudes and practices related to birth vocalizations among diverse professionals.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative comparative approach using focus groups.
• Five discipline-specific groups: doulas, nurses, community midwives, hospital midwives, and obstetricians.
• Grounded in the Organizational Cultural Phenomenon of Humanized Childbirth.

Main Results:

• Five themes emerged: shame/apologies, gendered norms influencing vocalization, use of affirmations, perceptions of 'right/wrong' sounds, and developing provider comfort.
• Providers' actions can inhibit or facilitate birthing individuals' vocal expression.

Conclusions:

• Findings highlight the need for provider education on supporting birth vocalizations.
• Tensions between provider expectations and birthing person autonomy reveal paternalism in Western birth.
• Addressing these dynamics can create more respectful, empowering, and positive birth environments.