typical births

The Medicalization of Motherhood

A study into the modern methods of birth and its influence on human sexuality

By : Angela M . Smith , AAS , BS

In to understand the ramifications surrounding the medicalization of pregnancy , one

must understand the concept of human sexuality . Wikipedia encyclopedia states that human

sexuality comprises a broad range of behavior and processes , including the physiological

psychological , social , cultural , political , philosophical , ethical moral , theological , legal and

spiritual or religious aspects of sex and human sexual behavior (1 ) The article goes on to state p

that sexual behavior can be influenced as early as in the womb . The act of giving birth has

changed dramatically in the past few hundred years . Midwifes were replaced by professional

men , families were ushered out of the delivery room , and mothers lost more and more control

over the birthing process . If one gave the great consideration , I would not be surprised at

the correlations between changes in our sexual behavior and the changes in the care for expectant

mothers . Birth is , in an essence , at the core of our sexuality , it is the reason for our sexuality , and

it would lie to reason that it could dramatically influence our sexuality . One needs to ponder the

significance of a conceptual view of the cultural effect that emerging technology has , not only in

this instance , but in other areas such as , child rearing and psychology education , relationships

etc . This is a lesson that , in my opinion , needs to be taught . With out it , I fear we are doomed to

further loose touch with who we are and why we are really here , thus we loose touch with

instinct . Now we find ourselves caught up in a world full of ironies like doctors prescribing

medications for ailments that could be simply cured by lifestyle changes , people looking to

technology in place of human interaction , or the stress resulting from societies view of how we

act in accordance with our own personal sexuality

As previously stated , the act of giving birth is meant to be an intimate , personal , and

spiritual experience . It is the first moment that mother and child meet and I believe a bond is

formed in that instant . The same is proven in some foul , wherein the first creature the chick sees

is therefore correlated instinctually as its mother . Prior to the 1600 's , most births were

preformed with an attending midwife , the husband , and female members of the mother 's family

Birth was a family affair , and I think bonds with everyone present are formed . Comparing that

sentiment to society at the time , it 's curious why families were much more closely knit , and often

stayed within close proximities with each other . Some would argue that "the way a woman gives

birth and the kind of care given to her , point as sharply as an arrowhead to the key values in the

culture (Kitzinger , 1980 ) Even in today 's society the difference is quite obvious . Cultures that

still carry out the...