No two groups appear to be as diametrically opposed as feminists and tradwives, the “traditional wives” of social media who advocate for submissiveness in marriage and the belief that “a woman’s place is in the home.” However, in a surprising twist of fate, these two factions have recently converged on a shared viewpoint when it comes to childbirth, specifically unmedicated childbirth. Both sides champion an empowered approach to childbirth that celebrates a woman’s ability to endure and embrace the pain of bringing new life into the world without the aid of medication that numbs sensation, such as epidurals.
The recent spotlight on the epidural issue was sparked by a profile of Hannah Neeleman, also known as Instagram user @ballerinafarm, by The Sunday Times. Neeleman, a mother of eight with a massive following, made headlines when she competed in a beauty pageant just 12 days after giving birth to her youngest child. In the profile, she expressed her preference for giving birth at home without pain medication, stating, “I don’t know, I just have never loved taking it.”
While data from the CDC shows that the majority of people who give birth opt for epidurals, there has been a rise in natural births and home births over the past two decades. This trend has been fueled by a growing criticism of the medical industry’s profit motives and the increase in potentially unnecessary C-sections. The choice between medicated and unmedicated childbirth has empowered women to take control of their birthing experiences, leading to a surge in birth-related content on social media.
The idealization of unmedicated childbirth has become a dominant narrative in recent years, due in part to historical beliefs that pain and fear during childbirth are constructs propagated by Western medicine. This philosophy aligns with modern wellness trends that emphasize being in tune with one’s body, making the use of pain-numbing interventions less appealing to some individuals.
As someone who opted for an epidural during childbirth, I can attest to the conflicting emotions that can arise from choosing pain relief. Despite the relief it provided during a challenging labor experience, I still find myself justifying my decision and feeling a sense of inadequacy compared to those who opted for unmedicated births. My experience with an epidural allowed me to navigate the complexities of preterm labor and unexpected challenges while maintaining a sense of peace and control.
Ultimately, the choice between medicated and unmedicated childbirth is deeply personal, and each individual’s experience is unique. Whether one chooses an epidural or opts for a natural birth, the most important thing is to feel empowered and supported throughout the birthing process.
