Southern women have flexible birthing too

I think Rachel Qitsualik is a thoughtful and creative author, and her columns are often enjoyable and also enlightening.

But as a Qallunaaq (and mother of two) living in the South, I must take exception to the following:

“Inuktitut and Qallunaatitut have always differed greatly on approaches to childbirth. For example, Inuit women traditionally gave birth in a kneeling position, allowing gravity to assist in the delivery.

This is virtually forbidden in the South, presumably under the assumption that it will harm the child…. So I remain puzzled.”

I agree that our cultural traditions regarding childbirth differ greatly. In fact, I find these differences very interesting. But it’s completely untrue that giving birth in anything other than the knees-up-feet-strapped-down-in-a-labour-bed position is “virtually forbidden” in the South.

I take some offense to Rachel’s implied suggestion that we here in the South have backward and unforgiving birthing practices. You guys understand that gravity helps childbirth and we don’t? Hogwash.

I cannot speak for the many people who have midwives, or arrange for home births, but in many modern facilities, pregnant women are highly encouraged to do whatever it takes to help gravity assist the delivery — from walking, kneeling and crawling to soaking in a jacuzzi (yes, my hospital had private hot tubs).

In prenatal classes we’re instructed on how we can both hasten delivery and make labour more comfortable through various positions.

It seems to me that hospital staff really don’t care what you do, as long as you’re comfortable. In fact, nowadays you can probably have your baby however you want it, and this would include the simple act of kneeling or crouching. I’m sure a quick phone call to a southern city hospital would have cleared up what is clearly a cultural misconception.

Andrea Tomkins
Ottawa