Birth As A Right of Passage
Much of my philosophy around birth was influenced by the work of cultural anthropologist and medical sociologist Robbie Davis-Floyd. I highly recommend expectant mothers watch her speeches on Youtube or read her book “Birth as a Rite of Passage". It is a groundbreaking exploration of childbirth as a transformative journey. Davis-Floyd delves into the cultural, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of childbirth, framing it as a profound rite of passage experienced by women worldwide. Drawing upon extensive cross-cultural research, she examines how different societies ritualize birth, from traditional indigenous practices to modern medicalized interventions.
The book challenges conventional Western medical perspectives on childbirth, emphasizing the importance of viewing it within its cultural context. In this model, machines and technology are in charge, progress is linear, thinking is masculine, the doctor is the expert, and tests and exams are what keep mama and baby safe. Davis-Floyd argues that the medicalization of childbirth has often stripped it of its spiritual and cultural significance, leading to disempowerment and trauma for many women. She advocates for a more holistic approach to maternity care (midwives and doulas) that honors women's autonomy, agency, and cultural beliefs. Care with a midwife or doula sees mother as the expert, progress is circular, thinking is feminine, and intuition is what keeps mama and baby safe.
Through vivid ethnographic accounts and theoretical insights, Davis-Floyd offers a rich tapestry of perspectives on birth, exploring themes of power, control, gender, and embodiment. She invites readers to reconsider their assumptions about childbirth and to recognize it as a profound rite of passage that shapes women's lives and identities.
In essence, "Birth as a Rite of Passage" is a compelling call to reclaim the sacredness of birth and to restore its cultural and spiritual significance in contemporary society. I recommend new moms think deeply about this new identity and view it as a spiritual undertaking and a transformational shift before embarking on their journey into motherhood.
