Birth Words: Language For a Better Birth
116 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 66 ratingsBirth worker Sara Pixton draws on her backgrounds in applied linguistics and social work to explore the power of words during the childbearing season and how we can all come together to better care for and honor those who give birth.
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Episodes
Rebroadcast of Spring: Reconceptualizing Due Dates
February 29, 2024 16:49 - 27 minutes - 21.8 MBThis episode is a rebroadcast of Season 1, Episode 71. In this episode, Sara talks about linguistic relativity, her favorite season shift (from winter to spring) and how the term "due date" can be all kinds of problematic!
Advocacy: Reframing a Hot Button Birth Issue as Educating, Empowering, and Amplifying
January 31, 2024 05:13 - 25 minutes - 20.3 MBAdvocacy is one of those topics that can get birth workers taking sides and sharing strong opinions. In this episode, I argue that advocacy is the heart and soul of all client-centered birth work, and I frame it in a way that I think you'll agree with me! Get involved as an advocate at all levels of impact--with individuals, in your local environment, and at the state and federal levels. I close the episode with a call to action to support the Perinatal Workforce Act, complete with an easy s...
Amazing: A Pandemic Birth Story with Ella Mink
November 30, 2023 19:38 - 21 minutes - 17.4 MBIn this episode, Ella Mink shares her story of giving birth to her first daughter during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ella was 17 years old at the time and had an amazing water birth at a birth center that ignited her passion for birth, setting her on a path of becoming a birth and postpartum doula and nurse midwife.
Stories: Powerful Tools for Social Change
October 31, 2023 02:45 - 22 minutes - 18.1 MBIn this episode, Sara considers the power of telling your birth story--or your pregnancy or postpartum story. Stories remind us that we are each unique, whole individuals with immeasurable worth and dignity. They highlight the barriers that need to be removed on our path to a better birth experience, and they showcase what's possible if we work together for change. If you'd like to share your story on the podcast, email [email protected] or reach out on Instagram or Facebook (@bi...
Unethical: How Ethics Fade from View in the Birth Space
September 25, 2023 19:53 - 29 minutes - 24 MBIn this episode, Sara confronts the topic of ethics in the birth space. Unfortunately, ethically objectionable things happen frequently in the birth space. Even more unfortunately, they are often not recognized as such. Using the explanations of ethical fading, Sara explores many ethically questionable things that have been justified to be regularly done during birth. REFERENCES: Betrán, A. P., Torloni, Zhang, J., & Gülmezoglu, A. M. (2015). WHO Statement on Caesarean Section Rates...
Rebirth: Birth Words is Back for Season 2... With a Twist!
August 15, 2023 12:00 - 13 minutes - 11.1 MBAfter a two-year hibernation, Birth Words is being reborn! Season 2 of Birth Words will offer monthly episodes, plus a new twist... listen to this episode to find out more! TRANSCRIPT: Intro: Welcome to birth words. Words are powerful. What are you doing with yours? In this podcast, birth doula and Applied Linguistics scholar Sara Pixton invites you to be intentional, reflective, and empowering with your language as we come together to honor those who give birth. Hello, this is Sara...
Narratives: What to Do When Someone Starts Telling a Birth "Horror Story"
June 21, 2021 09:00 - 22 minutes - 18.2 MBIn this episode, Sara discusses what to do when family, friends, or others start telling birth "horror stories" at baby showers or in birthing spaces. She uses the framework of narrative analysis to offer ideas about constructive ways to respond in these situations. TRANSCRIPT: Welcome. This is episode number 78 of Birth Words. Today we'll be talking about what to do when you're in a birth space or at a baby shower or any sort of event like that. When someone starts telling a birth h...
Necessary: Talking About Pelvic Floor Health with Dr. Betty DeLass, DPT
June 07, 2021 09:00 - 22 minutes - 17.8 MBIn this episode, Sara interviews pelvic floor PT Betty DeLass. Betty discusses the importance of normalizing pelvic health through talking about it! She also makes an exciting announcement about how she's working to improve the perinatal experience for *everyone*! TRANSCRIPT: Welcome to episode number 77 of the Birth Words podcast. Today, I am thrilled to introduce you to Dr. Betty DeLass, a pelvic floor physical therapist who has so much good stuff to say. Intro: Welcome to Birth ...
Bonding: The Benefits of Talking to Your Baby in Utero!
May 17, 2021 09:00 - 12 minutes - 10.3 MBSara summarizes fetal hearing development, then describes the benefits of talking to your baby during pregnancy--for both you and baby! TRANSCRIPT: Hello, welcome to episode number 76 of Birth Words. Today's episode is especially for expectant parents, and we'll be talking about why you should talk to your baby in utero. Intro: Welcome to Birth Words. Words are powerful. What are you doing with yours? In this podcast, birth doula and applied linguistics scholar Sara Pixton invites ...
Magical: A Conversation with Women's Health Coach Meredith Ashton Cohen About the Menstrual Cycle
May 03, 2021 09:00 - 23 minutes - 18.9 MBIn this episode, guest Meredith Ashton Cohen uses the metaphor of the changing seasons to describe the menstrual cycle and how to live your best life by better understanding each season of the menstrual cycle. TRANSCRIPT: Welcome to Birth Words. This is episode number 75. Today, I'm talking with Meredith Ashton Cohen, certified birth doula and women's health coach, about the menstrual cycle and how using the metaphor of the changing seasons can help you live your best life throughout all...
Magical: A Conversation with Women's Health Coach Meredith Ashton Cohen About the Menstrual Cycle
May 03, 2021 09:00In this episode, guest Meredith Ashton Cohen uses the metaphor of the changing seasons to describe the menstrual cycle and how to live your best life by better understanding each season of the menstrual cycle.
Roots: Rebroadcast of Birth Words, Episode 1
April 19, 2021 09:00 - 16 minutes - 12.9 MBThis week on the podcast, I'm bringing Birth Words back to its roots. I aired the first episode of Birth Words on June 29, 2019. Since then, I've produced over 70 unique episodes, and gained lots of listeners. And this week, I'm rebroadcasting that very first episode. So, if you haven't yet listened to the story of the birth of Birth Words (or even if you have), give this episode a listen!
Communication: Changing the Way You Speak to Fit Your Circumstances
April 05, 2021 09:00 - 9 minutes - 7.31 MBIn this episode, Sara discusses the concept of communicative repertoires: the idea that we modify the way we speak to fit the circumstances we're in and our relationships (real or intended) with the person we're talking to. Sara poses questions for birthgivers and birthworkers to consider as they communicate with others during pregnancy and birth.
Teacher: Learning Life's Lessons During an 80-Hour Labor, with Michelle Knight
March 22, 2021 09:00 - 18 minutes - 15.2 MBIn this week's episode, I talk with Michelle Knight about how the process of giving birth was a great teacher that shaped Michelle's approach to life afterward. We also discuss the power of sharing stories about the challenges of our birth and postpartum experiences. Our words can validate these experiences and invite others to find the support they need as we shift identities while moving into parenthood.
Spring: Reconceptualizing Due Dates
March 08, 2021 10:00 - 28 minutes - 23.2 MBIn this episode, Sara talks about linguistic relativity, her favorite season shift (from winter to spring) and how the term "due date" can be all kinds of problematic! Resources: Sapir, Edward, and Benjamin Whorf. "The relation of habitual thought and behavior to language." Language, Thought and Reality (1956): 134-159. Boroditsky, Lera. How Language Shapes the Way We Think. TED. November 2017. Video, 14:04. https://www.ted.com/talks/lera_boroditsky_how_language_shapes_the_way_we_t...
Workshop: A Sneak Peek into the Birth Words In-Depth Workshop for Birthworkers
March 01, 2021 10:00 - 24 minutes - 19.6 MBBirthworkers, this one's for you! In this week's special episode, listen to four birthworkers discuss what they learned from and loved about the Birth Words In-Depth Workshop for Birthworkers. When you're ready to enroll in the workshop, head over to www.birthwords.com/classes and choose the option that works best for you: ONLINE or LIVE (03.27.21 in Lehi, UT). Earn 8 ICEA contact hours, learn things about language that will improve the care you give your clients and benefit ALL ...
Unknown: An Interview with Birthing from Within Trainer Nikki Shaheed
February 22, 2021 10:00 - 22 minutes - 17.9 MBIn this week's episode, Nikki Shaheed talks about how to discover your heart's question to guide your birth, the various archetypes for approaching the birth experience, and the etiquette for Laborland. Nikki's powerful interview highlights the power of leading with questions, respecting the individuality of each birther and birth experience, and being okay with the unknown.
Respect: Honorifics and the Circle of Support
February 08, 2021 10:00 - 19 minutes - 15.6 MBIn this episode, we consider how and to whom we show respect through language. Specifically, we consider the use and impact of titles (or lack thereof) by birth care providers. Sara invites you to be reflective about the care providers you choose, the titles they use or don't use, and the relationships these honorifics support. REFERENCES: Wardhaugh, Ronald. An introduction to sociolinguistics (2nd Edition). Vol. 28. John Wiley & Sons, 2015.
Intricate: Kayte Gardner Tells Her Birth Stories
January 25, 2021 10:00 - 25 minutes - 20.7 MBIn this week's episode Kayte Gardner talks about the stories we tell ourselves about birth, birth trauma, and "high-risk" pregnancy and birth. Tune in to hear her tell her stories of loss and feelings of brokenness and of surprising herself and finding a passion in birth work.
Conduit: Communication Isn't a Matter of Boxing Up Meaning
January 11, 2021 10:00 - 19 minutes - 15.6 MBIn this episode, Sara discusses the conduit metaphor identified by linguist Michael Reddy. The conduit metaphor is an oversimplification of communication and language. This metaphor assumes that communicating is a simple act of packaging up your meaning in words and sending it to another person, who unproblematically opens it and understands precisely your meaning and intention. But anyone who has ever conversed with anyone knows that this is oversimplified and that communication is fraught ...
Exalted: A Conversation with Alisa Crawshaw about the Noble Work of Parenthood
December 28, 2020 10:00 - 21 minutes - 17.5 MBIn this conversation, Alisa, doula and mother to two (soon to be three) talks about her birth stories. She discusses the people who guided her on her path to her beautiful births, and her orgasmic first birth. She also tells about the work she does with her clients to guide them as they discover and claim their power in parenthood.
Assumptions IIII: Figured Worlds and Birth IIII
December 14, 2020 10:00 - 20 minutes - 16.6 MBThis episode is the last in the series on figured worlds. (Other episodes in this series include episodes 59, 61, and 63.) In this episode, Sara discusses her narrow lens and assumptions with regard to figured worlds and birth. Then, we conclude the series on figured worlds by discussing prominent environments, institutions, and values in the birth experience.
Cool: My Husband's Perspective on Birth
November 30, 2020 10:00 - 29 minutes - 23.5 MBThis week, meet my husband, Clark, as he tells the stories of the births of our three children and reflects on the roles of preparation and language. REFERENCES: Gee, James Paul. How to do discourse analysis: A toolkit. Routledge, 2014.
Assumptions III: Figured Worlds and Birth III
November 20, 2020 16:15 - 19 minutes - 15.4 MBIn this episode, Sara talks more about figured worlds and birth, diving into the importance of language, people, and objects. The typical, simplified picture that comes to mind is called a figured world, and it is influenced by the language that we hear and the experiences we've had. Let's be mindful about our language so that we positively influence others' figured worlds about birth!
History: A Discussion with Dr. Laurel Thatcher Ulrich About Her Book, A Midwife's Tale
November 02, 2020 10:00 - 36 minutes - 29.3 MBIn this episode, I interview Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author Laurel Thatcher Ulrich about her book, A Midwife's Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on Her Diary, 1785-1812. We discuss the unique writing style of Martha as an 18th century woman, the changing roles of midwives and doctors at the turn of the 19th century, and the many factors that influence the ways in which women have experienced childbirth over the centuries.
Assumptions II: Figured Worlds and Birth II
October 19, 2020 09:00 - 14 minutes - 12 MBIn this episode, we're digging more into figured worlds: the typical story of giving birth. What do people typically assume about the participants, activities, and ways of interacting during pregnancy and birth? REFERENCES: Gee, James Paul. How to do discourse analysis: A toolkit. Routledge, 2014.
Choice II: A Conversation with My Mom, Vicki Collet, About Thoughtful Language Choices
October 05, 2020 09:00 - 26 minutes - 21.4 MBI'm thrilled to introduce you this week to the most special of all special guests: my mom, Vicki Collet! Vicki is an an associate professor of elementary education who also teaches doctoral courses in literacy studies. Before her work in teacher preparation, she taught in kindergarten through 12th grade and worked as a literacy coach and district curriculum coordinator. She is passionate about choosing language to positive effect, and has always been an example to me of speaking highly of ...
Assumptions: Figured Worlds and Birth
September 21, 2020 09:00 - 18 minutes - 15.1 MBIn this episode, Sara introduces the concept of figured worlds. Figured worlds are the simplified mental perceptions we have of the way things typically work. In birth, common figured worlds hold many families back from having empowered, active birth experiences. REFERENCES: Gee, James Paul. How to do discourse analysis: A toolkit. Routledge, 2014. Holland, Dorothy C., William Lachicotte Jr, Debra Skinner, and Carole Cain. Identity and agency in cultural worlds. Harvard University ...
Partnership: Talking About Partners and Communication with Childbirth Educator, Yogini, and Doula Alleah Erica Clarke
September 07, 2020 09:00 - 25 minutes - 20.6 MBIn this week's episode of Birth Words, I get to introduce you to the lovely Alleah Erica Clarke. Alleah Erica is a yoga teacher, childbirth educator, and gestational coach. She hosts The Partners Workshop, where she helps couples engage as a partnership during pregnancy and birth. In this episode, she discusses how communication between partners--both verbal and nonverbal--can be a powerful force for good during pregnancy and birth.
Partnership: Talking About Partners and Communication with Childbirth Educator, Yogini, and Doula Alleah Clarke
September 07, 2020 09:00 - 25 minutes - 20.6 MBIn this week's episode of Birth Words, I get to introduce you to the lovely Alleah Erica Clarke. Alleah Erica is a yoga teacher, childbirth educator, and gestational coach. She hosts The Partners Workshop, where she helps couples engage as a partnership during pregnancy and birth. In this episode, she discusses how communication between partners--both verbal and nonverbal--can be a powerful force for good during pregnancy and birth.
Honor: A Critical Look at Caregiver-Client Conversation
August 24, 2020 09:00 - 24 minutes - 19.7 MBIn this episode, Sara looks at caregiver-client conversations and how they can reinforce asymmetrical power relationships. She invites birthgivers to mindfully choose a midwife or obstetrician who honors your autonomy and power as the one growing and giving life. References: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHiu94RzDhQ Leahy, Margaret M. "Therapy talk: Analyzing therapeutic discourse." Language Speech and Hearing Services in Schools 35, no. 1 (2004): 70-81.
Miscarriage II: Lara Freidenfelds and 'The Myth of the Perfect Pregnancy'
August 10, 2020 09:00In this episode, Sara interviews author and historian Lara Freidenfelds about her book The Myth of the Perfect Pregnancy. Lara discusses the knowledge we've gained about early pregnancy and miscarriage, as well as wisdom we've lost from earlier times.
Miscarriage II: Lara Freidenfelds and 'The Myth of the Perfect Pregnancy'
August 10, 2020 09:00 - 25 minutes - 20.4 MBIn this episode, Sara interviews author and historian Lara Freidenfelds about her book The Myth of the Perfect Pregnancy. Lara discusses the knowledge we've gained about early pregnancy and miscarriage, as well as wisdom we've lost from earlier times.
Empowering: Choosing Our Language to Honor Life-Giving Agents
July 27, 2020 09:00 - 29 minutes - 23.9 MBIn this episode, Sara considers the importance of using language that recognizes the power of birthgivers! She takes a critical look at some common descriptions and depictions of childbirth. Links for Excerpts and Clip Discussed: https://medlineplus.gov/childbirth.html https://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/delivery-methods https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwP__y5lEHM
Empowered: LMT Kristy Burtenshaw Discusses Fascial Release, Birth, and the Power of Our Words
July 13, 2020 09:00 - 17 minutes - 13.8 MBThis episode is an interview with licensed massage therapist Kristy Burtenshaw. Kristy discusses the role that fascia plays in the physiological and emotional process of birth, and how our words play an important supporting role in that process.
Announcement
July 06, 2020 09:00 - 36 seconds - 562 KBHeading in to year two of the Birth Words podcast, we'll be shifting to an every-other-week schedule. Tune in next week for another episode of Birth Words!
Intentional: Choosing our Birth Language for Positive Change
June 29, 2020 09:00 - 12 minutes - 10.2 MBIn this episode, Sara considers the effects of our words. She invites birthgivers and birth workers alike to be intentional about using words that point towards positive change and honor the power of those who give life.
Inception: You Can't Unsee An Empowered Birth
June 22, 2020 09:00 - 13 minutes - 11 MBIn this episode, birth videographer and podcast host Sarah Asay talks about birth videography and how she uses video as a mediating tool to capture birth experiences and communicate powerful messages.
Reflective: Consider the Influences on and of Your Words
June 15, 2020 09:00 - 17 minutes - 13.8 MBIn this episode, Sara invites listeners to be reflective about the words that they use in the realms of racial injustice and in all aspects of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
Special Episode 1 | Competency (Rebroadcast) | Cultural Humility and Diversity: A Conversation with Dr. Sayida Peprah
June 08, 2020 14:22 - 21 minutes - 17.4 MBThis special episode is a rebroadcast of a conversation with Dr. Sayida Peprah, previously aired as episode 28. In this interview, Dr. Sayida discusses the importance of being authentic, humble, and curious when interacting with others from different cultures or circumstances.
Intuitive: Two Hypno-Home Birth Stories
June 08, 2020 09:00 - 14 minutes - 11.4 MBIn this episode, mother Jess Burdette shares the stories of her two home births, which she prepared for with Hypnobabies. She discusses the importance of being intentional about the words and stories we let into our pregnancies and birth experiences, and the power of encouraging words.
Silence II: Black Lives Matter
June 01, 2020 09:00 - 12 minutes - 9.7 MBIn this episode, we revisit the topic of silence and discuss how silence, though appropriate in some scenarios, is inappropriate in others. We consider the death of George Floyd, the astonishingly high maternal mortality rate for birthgivers of color in the US, and commit to use our voices to rise above silence and create a more peaceful world. REFERENCES: Austin, John. “How to Do Things with Words.” In The Discourse Reader, edited by Adam Jaworski and Nikolas, 51-61. New York, NY: R...
Hope & Choice: Birth Moms Stacey and Chanel Discuss the Language of Adoption
May 25, 2020 09:00 - 19 minutes - 15.8 MBIn this episode, Stacey and Chanel, who each chose adoption for their birth children years ago, discuss the important role that language played and continue to plays in the choices.
Silence: Communication Beyond Language
May 18, 2020 09:00 - 15 minutes - 12.3 MBThis episode unpacks the role of silence in the birth space. REFERENCES: Buckley, Sarah. Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering: A Doctor’s Guide to Natural Childbirth and Gentle Early Parenting Choices Berkeley, CA: Celestial Arts, 2009. Patterson, Adam. “Wittgenstein's Silence.” New Narrative. 19 June 2013, https://www.new-narrative.com/2013/06/19/wittgensteins-silence/. Vlăduțescu, Ștefan. "Communication of Silence at Ludwig Wittgenstein: Linguistic Silence." International Letters of Soci...
Empowerment II: Dr. Michelle Coats Discusses Whole-Person Pregnancy Care
May 11, 2020 09:00 - 17 minutes - 14.1 MBIn this episode, Dr. Michelle Coats talks about how she cares for her clients during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. She shares her perspective of the transformative and empowering process of giving life and how she provides physical and emotional support to her clients throughout this miraculous process.
Metaphor: What Underlies the Way You Speak About Birth?
May 04, 2020 09:00 - 14 minutes - 11.3 MBIn this episode, Sara introduces the idea of concept metaphors: the metaphors that operate underneath our speech (often subconsciously). She explores several concept metaphors relating to pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum time.
Transformative: A Conversation About Words and Physiology with Birthful's Adriana Lozada
April 27, 2020 09:00 - 17 minutes - 14.2 MBIn this episode, Adriana Lozada shares her insights about the power of her birth podcast, Birthful, and the power of positive birth frameworks. She also discusses how language can be a barrier to the physiological unfolding of birth.
Agentive II: Affirmations for Giving Birth in the Time of COVID-19
April 20, 2020 09:00 - 14 minutes - 11.7 MBThis episode is a mash-up of Episode 15 (Affirmations) and Episode 41 (Agentive). Sara talks about the linguistic power of affirmations and the importance of using language that rightly frames the birthgiver as the central agent bringing forth new life, and provides frames and idea seeds for writing powerful affirmations for those preparing to give birth during COVID-19.
Hopeful: A Conversation with Kerry Tuschoff, Hypnobabies Founder and Director
April 13, 2020 09:00 - 22 minutes - 17.8 MBIn this podcast episode, Hypnobabies founder and director, Kerry Tuschoff, shares her thoughts about the power of language during pregnancy and birth. Kerry gives examples of common phrases used during birth that can be disempowering and induce pain and fear, then offers positive alternatives that frame birth as a powerful, beautiful experience.
Agentive: Giving Birth in the Time of COVID-19
April 06, 2020 09:00 - 13 minutes - 10.9 MBIn this episode, Sara considers the unique situation of the global COVID-19 pandemic and what birthgivers can do to claim their power as life-giving agents engaged in a praiseworthy work.