The Language of Birth

Our language both reflects and influences our attitudes and behavior. This Roundtable Discussion explores the language used in obstetrics and in the interactions between caregivers and women or their families: What do practitioners say to mothers and families during labor? At birth? In consultations...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Birth (Berkeley, Calif.) Calif.), 2012-06, Vol.39 (2), p.156-164
Main Authors: Simkin, Penny, Stewart, Mary, Shearer, Beth, Christopher Glantz, J., Rooks, Judith P., Lyerly, Anne Drapkin, Chalmers, Beverley, Keirse, Marc J.N.C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Births
Caregivers
Carers
cesarean delivery
Childbirth
Consultation
Delivery, Obstetric - methods
doula
elective delivery
Female
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
informed consent
Labor, Obstetric - psychology
Language
midwifery
Mothers
Obstetrics
Patient Satisfaction
Perinatal care
Perinatal Care - methods
Pregnancy
Professional-Patient Relations
safety
trial of labor
United States
vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)
Verbal Behavior
Women
Young Adult
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Summary:Our language both reflects and influences our attitudes and behavior. This Roundtable Discussion explores the language used in obstetrics and in the interactions between caregivers and women or their families: What do practitioners say to mothers and families during labor? At birth? In consultations? To describe what is happening? To encourage a woman's efforts? To lighten the atmosphere? When advising about possible interventions? Medical terminology in perinatal care can often be deceptive or confusing, not only for mothers but for caregivers. The authors of this Roundtable, representing health professionals from different specialties and interests in the field, have examined some examples of such language use, misuse, and abuse in perinatal care. (BIRTH 39:2 June 2012)
ISSN:0730-7659
1523-536X
DOI:10.1111/j.1523-536X.2012.00535.x