Birthing Failures: Childbirth as a Female Fault Line

In a qualitative study, 119 women completed an online, open-ended survey about their childbirth experiences. In response to the question, "What ways, if any, did you experience failure?," 65% of women identified feelings of failure. Overwhelmingly attributing the failures to themselves, participants reported that they experienced failures of mind, body, action/inaction, representing "what I feel;' "who I am," and "what I did or didn't do" and leading some participants to conclude that they were "less of woman," "less of a mother," or ultimately failed the baby. Such perceived failures can be unintentionally perpetuated by a system that neglects to address the complex experiences and interpretations of birthing women. Helping women anticipate and process the psychosocial and emotional aspects of the birth experience may serve as a protective factor against women internalizing perceived failures as their own, and preventing long term consequences of such feelings. The findings of this study highlight the importance of assessing women's personal experiences and interpretations of childbirth during the prenatal phase to address expectations and increase preparedness.