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< return to A Comparison of Childbirth Philosophies for Christians by Emme Amble
Dick-Read MethodIn the 1940's, Dr. Grantley Dick-Read was a Christian who brought some measure of spirituality to the birth experience, writing Childbirth Without Fear, and coining the term "Natural Childbirth" reminding us that God did not design birth to be a time of suffering, despite how some Christians interpret the verse Genesis 3:16 which reads, "I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing, with pain you will give birth to children." A careful study of the word "pains" in this verse will reveal that it does not imply that God's judgment for Eve's sin was not that she truly suffer during childbirth, anymore than Adam will be suffering out in the fields as he tills the land (See Genesis 3:17-19)! The word "pains" implies that lots of hard work will be involved, but not true suffering, as we commonly perceive it.However, Dick-Read took this one step further, asserting that ALL pain in childbirth is simply from fear, and/or unnecessary interventions. While knowing that God does not mean us to suffer in childbirth is comforting, hearing that we may be creating our own experience of pain may be not be helpful, when despite coming to birth prepared and joyfully expectant, a women does indeed experience pain during labor. It may make some women feel less than adequate or guilty if their labors are quite painful, or if they have some kind of medical intervention. Most women will report that they felt some pain, to a greater or lesser degree, even if they did not approach the birth with a fearful attitude. More likely, the opposite may be true, that the greater the pain that is experienced, the more fear is created, shutting down the natural, relaxing effects of the birth hormones, and any relaxation techniques the mother had planned on using. This downward spiral is what can cause more and more medical interventions to be "needed," and may even lead to an unnecessary c-section. It's true that we not fear childbirth! It is important that women come to their birth experience trusting in their bodies own natural abilities to bring forth their baby, but also to be aware of the birth process and the sensations which may accompany it. Expecting the best and trusting in God's natural design for birth, combined with being informed of possible complications will help mothers have the best chance of having a satisfying birth experience.
copyright 2000 by Emme Amble
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Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.
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