Persuasion: The Key to Changing Women's Ideas About Birth

Abstract

Although standard maternity care is not evidence-based and, in many cases, increases risks for mothers and babies, few women make birth decisions that reflect this knowledge. This column discusses persuasion as a way to change women's ideas about safe, healthy birth. The relationship between persuasion and choice is discussed, and the differences between presenting information and persuading women that natural birth is the safest and healthiest way to give birth are explored.

Unintended Consequences of Gender Equality Promotion in Swedish Multicultural Contraceptive Counseling: A Discourse Analysis

“…212–213)? Some scholars in the field of reproductive health do not deny the necessity of moral persuasion in clinical encounters, in terms of “influencing, convincing, pleading your case, and ultimately changing someone’s mind or making someone believe differently” (Lothian, 2009, p. 41) in case clinicians want to change people’s behavior (Lothian, 2009). If patients with diverse cultural and religious backgrounds are continuously exposed to the majority society’s predominant attitudes regarding sexual liberation and gender equality, it might facilitate a faster adaptation to the new societal context (Norris & Inglehart, 2012).…”

How Do Women Who Plan Home Birth Prepare for Childbirth?

“…Or, for women who do not initially think they want to have a natural birth, starting childbirth education early in pregnancy allows the time required to persuade women to see the value of giving birth naturally (Lothian, 2009). Secondly, if the childbirth educator meets women early in pregnancy, there is the opportunity for the development of a personal relationship, similar to the relationship developed with the midwives in this study.…”

A Qualitative Examination of Factors that Influence Birthing Options for African American Women

“…The shift from home to hospital birth encouraged a new mode of thought surrounding the birthing process. Women have an innate perception of how their own body works and should have confidence in their own capability to give birth (Lothian, 2009b). Traditional ways of solving issues concerning comfort were deserted and replaced with pharmacological pain relief (Goer et al, 2007).…”

“…A decreased knowledge about available options increases the anxiety of patients and in return decreases the ability to make a rational decision regarding a birthing avenue. Lothian (2009b) asserts that women need to know the history behind natural births, the evidence that supports the value of a natural birth, and the ways in which standard maternity care can increase risk of harm for mothers and their babies.…”

“…The knowledge of a new pregnancy should be a time of elation for expectant mothers, but often times entangled with that excitement are uncertainties regarding details about their delivery. There are numerous birthing options for mothers to choose from, all of which have pros and cons (Lothian, 2009b). Recent growth in ideas about alternative birthing options has seen an increase in the number of mothers choosing to pursue a natural birth (Longworth et al, 2001; Viisainen, 2001).…”