Positive Birth Terms

I have gone all-in on using only positive birth language.

It seems reasonable to suppose that our minds might be open to the subtle differences in meaning, implied with word choice. I would prefer to skew the lens in the direction of the positive, rather than the negative. Why not send subtle messages that imply comfort and safety?

The following is a list of substitutions for phrases commonly used surrounding pregnancy and childbirth. Much of this list was inspired by Hypnobirthing and Hypnobabies language suggestions, as well as examples from previous clients.

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Term - New Suggestion

Contraction/Pain - Wave or Surge, Expansion

Labor - Birthing Time

Due Date - Guess Date, Birthing Time/Month

Pain - Discomfort/Pressure/Sensation/Tightening

Water Breaking/Rupture - Membranes Release

Bloody Show - Birth Show

Birth Canal - Birth Path

Pushing - Birth Breath (Breathing Down)

Complications - Special Circumstances

Transition - Near Completion, Transformation

Effacing/Dilating - Thinning/Opening

Fetus - Baby

False Labor/Braxton-Hicks - Practice Labor/Pre-Labor

Clients/Patients - Parents, Partners, Moms, Dads

Ring of Fire - Powerful Stretching, Pressure Sensations

Stalled Labor - Resting Labor

Delivery/Deliver - Birthing/Birth

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