Motherhood and childbirth: myths, fears and realities
04. 02. 2025
When it comes to motherhood, social media and its emblematic figures swings between two extremes. On the one hand, there are the perfect, impeccable mothers, like Bree Van de Kamp in Desperate Housewives, who offer an idealized vision of parenthood, always ready to whip out homemade cupcakes while wearing high heels. On the other hand, there are those who, without any filter, expose the worst and most difficult moments: tiredness, dark circles and dirty pyjamas, in a “this is the real face of parenting” mode. Don't worry, it rarely happens as we can see on internet.
Why are we afraid of childbirth?
Fear of childbirth is deeply fixed in collective imagination, rooted in history and cultural representations. Between the terrifying stories of our ancestors and Hollywood films, there is plenty to scare us. In the Middle Ages, giving birth was a bit like playing Russian roulette: 1 in 10 women died in childbirth. Until the beginning of the 20th century, deaths in childbirth were very frequent, feeding legitimate fear from generation to generation. Today you can be reassured, thanks to medical progress, deaths in childbirth and childbirth-related complications are now extremely rare.
Added to this fears are the myths spread by popular culture. Cinema, for example, often shows dramatic scenes where everything seems out of control. Think of Friends during season 8, with Rachel screaming at the top of her lungs, or A Happy Event where pain and emotion are brought to the fore. In these representations, we often see exaggerated screaming, fainting fathers and outrageous situations. These scenes capture the human imagination, but are far from reflecting reality.
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Another common exaggeration example: water breaks. In the movies,the event is as spectacular as an exploding hot-water balloon, as most mothers describe it as a simple sensation of wetness, discreet, and the quantity is equivalent to a child's pee. This type of gap between fiction and reality feeds unjustified anxiety.
Pregnancy under supervision
Today, the reality of childbirth has changed radically thanks to progress in medicine, hygiene and technology. The risks that once weighed heavily on mothers and babies have been considerably reduced. Regular check-ups during pregnancy help detect and prevent complications.
Today, there are a number of different delivery options. Hospitals are still the most common option, but some mothers-to-be choose to give birth at home, under professional supervision. Specialized teams, such as birth centers or certified midwives, ensure the safety of these births.
These options show that, contrary to what some may believe, every experience is unique. Where some women prefer a medicalized setting, others choose a more natural, personalized approach. The most important thing is to find what best suits your needs and desires.
No rules in maternity
Motherhood is a personal adventure, with no universal rules. Whether you give birth with an epidural in hospital or at home, whether you aspire to organized parenthood or prefer to let events guide you, your experience is unique. The key is not to compare yourself. Social media and myths can sometimes be distorting mirrors. It's better to surround yourself with caring people and trust yourself. And don't forget that every mother has her own style, just as valid as any other.