B2 – Upper Intermediate
Every birth story is unique and there is simply no such thing as a “perfect birth.” With that said, the more equipped we are for any major life journey or transformation, which would include acknowledging the truth of a Plan B or C, the more comfortable we will be when we are already in the situation.
Of course, when a beautiful newborn baby awaits you, it’s impossible to imagine being frustrated with the journey.
But as researchers noted in one study, individualized emotional support has been shown to empower women and increase the possibility of a positive birth experience. Women wanted to be recognized and viewed as wonderful human beings by their practitioners and their partners.
Read the article to know more about positive birth and hypnobirthing movements.
https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20230122-positive-birth-and-hypnobirthing-movements
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “hold much weight” mean, “And for many women, approaches like these have never held much weight, if you want to give birth as painlessly as possible, why not just use every modern medical intervention and drug available?”? Use this idiom in your own sentence.
- What does “laser-focused ” mean, “Feeling like there was one right way to have a baby, it made me laser-focused on that right way.” Use this word in your own sentence.
- What does the idiom “things started to go sideways” mean, “As a result, when things started to go sideways, it was very hard for me to adapt.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- Is it possible to “have a ‘beautiful’ birth experience without medical intervention”? Explain.
- What are some benefits of natural birth?
- What is the meaning of a very positive birth experience?
- What factors contribute to a positive birthing experience for the mother?
- Do you believe that having contingencies, in addition to birth plans, is important? Discuss your opinion.