Common Sense in Childbirth Has Changed Over 20 Years: New Knowledge Every Mom Should Know
“Childbirth Then and Now” from the Perspective of 21 Years of Midwifery Experience
Introduction
Hello.
As someone with 20 years of experience as a midwife, today I would like to talk about how much the common sense surrounding childbirth has changed.
In my daily conversations with many expectant mothers, I often find them confused by the differences between the advice they receive from their mothers or mothers-in-law and what is considered common sense today.
It is actually a very common concern.
“My mother says X, but the internet says Y...”
“My mother-in-law’s advice is different from what I was told at the hospital, but I can’t tell her that...”
I actually hear these voices a lot.
The common sense regarding childbirth has changed significantly since I became a midwife 20 years ago. There have been advances in medicine, revisions to safety standards, and new discoveries regarding the health of mothers and babies.
Today, I will organize and share what was considered good in the past but is no longer recommended, as well as important new findings.
I would like to share this with moms who are struggling with generational differences in advice, and also with those who are about to become grandmothers.
【Major Changes in Common Sense】 During Pregnancy
How to Spend Your Time
❌ Old common sense: “Rest is the top priority during pregnancy”
⭕ New common sense: “Moderate exercise is recommended”
20 years ago...
• “Strenuous exercise is prohibited once you are pregnant”
• “Resting is the best thing to do”
• “You must never carry heavy things”
• “Eat for two”
Now...
• Exercise during pregnancy is recommended if you have your doctor’s permission
• There are plenty of options such as maternity yoga, walking, and water exercise
• It is known that moderate exercise leads to an easier delivery
Advice from a midwife:
However, this is limited to cases where you have your doctor’s permission. If you have threatened premature labor or other risks, rest is necessary. Please do not make decisions on your own and always consult your doctor.
Also, always do it with someone else. You might suddenly collapse from anemia. Therefore, always carry your Maternal and Child Health Handbook when exercising so that others know you are pregnant in case of an emergency, and make sure to properly record your doctor’s contact information and your family’s contact details in the handbook.
The Maternal and Child Health Handbook contains your blood type, weeks of pregnancy, and records of your prenatal checkups, among other information about the progress of your pregnancy.
Even if you are unconscious and unable to speak, the handbook will convey this information to rescuers and those around you, making it an important charm that can save the lives of both you and your baby.
Morning Sickness
❌ Old common sense: “Morning sickness is something you just have to endure”
⭕ New common sense: “Morning sickness is a condition to be treated”
20 years ago
• “Morning sickness is proof of pregnancy, so it’s natural to endure it”
• “An IV drip is an overreaction”
• There was also a tendency to think it was “all in your head”...
Now
• Medically treated as hyperemesis gravidarum
• IV treatment is recommended when necessary
• You can take time off work due to morning sickness
My personal experience:
20 years ago, there was an atmosphere of “it’s just morning sickness...”
However, the causes of morning sickness are now understood, and oral medication is becoming available in Western countries.
I think it is a truly positive change that we now prioritize the mother’s physical condition above all else.
Morning sickness is an early pregnancy symptom that often starts as early as the 4th week of pregnancy, peaks at the 9th week, and finally begins to subside by the 15th week.
Because this is the period before entering the stable phase, I often see many people who cannot tell their workplace or family about their pregnancy and live while hiding their symptoms.
This situation often involves “endurance” and “pressure” that can worsen morning sickness symptoms.
However, morning sickness will definitely improve. Therefore, during the time when you cannot tell anyone, try to take time off to spend time relaxing and create an environment where you can let go of endurance and pressure, even if only temporarily.
【Major Changes in Common Sense】 During Childbirth/Delivery
❌ Old common sense: “Labor pain is something to endure”
⭕ New common sense: “The option of painless delivery”
20 years ago
• “You only become a mother by experiencing the pain of labor”
• Prejudice that painless delivery is “taking the easy way out”
• It was not a common option
Now
• Painless delivery is recognized as a common option
• The idea that “there is no meaning in enduring pain”
• A trend that respects the mother’s wishes
What I feel as a midwife:
Both are correct choices. What is important is that the mother makes a choice she is satisfied with. I want you to value your own feelings without being swayed by the opinions of those around you.
However, even with a painless delivery, the birth is your own.
The progress of labor, breathing techniques, pushing methods, and physical preparation are especially important.
In preparation for delivery, go get the right information at maternity classes or midwife outpatient clinics and prepare yourself.
❌ Old common sense: “The husband does not enter the delivery room”
⭕ New common sense: “Partner-assisted birth is common”
20 years ago
• “Childbirth is only for women”
• Partner-assisted birth was still rare
• It was taken for granted that the husband would wait in the hallway
Now
• About 70% of births are partner-assisted
• Dad’s participation in childcare begins with childbirth
• The idea of welcoming birth as a couple
Changes I have seen over 20 years:
Couples who have partner-assisted births seem to have a smoother division of childcare duties after birth. However, there is no need to force it. It is important to discuss it as a couple and decide.
【Major Changes in Common Sense】 Postpartum/Childcare
❌ Old common sense: “You must breastfeed exclusively”
⭕ New common sense: “Mixed feeding is also a valid choice”
20 years ago
• “Breast milk is best, formula is inferior”
• Strong prejudice against mixed feeding
• Mothers often felt guilty
Now
• “The baby growing up healthy is the top priority”
• You can choose formula with peace of mind due to improved nutritional value
• The mother’s mental and physical health is also valued
From over 1,000 cases of postpartum care experience:
I have seen many cases where mothers were driven into a corner by being too obsessed with breast milk. Now, our stance is to think together about “ways for both the baby and the mother to be smiling.”
❌ Old common sense: “Strict bed rest for one month postpartum”
⭕ New common sense: “Early mobilization and moderate activity”
20 years ago...
• “Bedridden for one month postpartum until you can get out of bed”
• “You must not do any housework at all”
• Going out is strictly prohibited
Now...
• Start walking from the day after birth
• Moderate exercise promotes recovery
• Going out is okay at the 2-week checkup
Medical basis:
It is known that long-term bed rest increases the risk of thrombosis. Moderate activity actually leads to faster physical recovery.
❌ Old common sense: “Let the baby cry”
⭕ New common sense: “Respond to the baby’s needs”
20 years ago...
• “Don’t pick them up even if they cry because they will get used to being held”
• “Breastfeed when the time comes”
• “Crying is to train the lungs”
Now...
• There is no concept of “getting used to being held”
• On-demand breastfeeding (according to the baby’s needs)
• The importance of skinship is scientifically proven
Changes I feel in the field:
I have the impression that today’s moms are doing childcare that is more in tune with the baby’s feelings. As a result, I feel that the bond between parent and child is deepening.
【Newly Discovered Knowledge】 Latest Childbirth and Childcare Common Sense
The Importance of Prenatal and Postpartum Mental Care
New common sense:
• Prenatal and postpartum depression can be prevented
• Early detection and early response are important
• Support from partners and family is extremely important
As a midwife:
20 years ago, the term “postpartum depression” was not even common. Now, it is known that the mother’s mental health also has a major impact on the baby’s development.
Dad’s postpartum depression is also receiving attention
New discovery:
• Dads can also get postpartum depression
• The importance of supporting each other as a couple
• Men’s housework and childcare directly lead to reducing the mother’s burden
New knowledge regarding baby development
What we have learned:
• Babies are learning from immediately after birth
• Skinship is important for brain development
• Talking to them from an early age promotes language development
How to deal with the generational advice gap?
How to get along well with your parents and in-laws
1. Express gratitude
Honestly express your feelings of “thank you for worrying about me”
2. Share new information
Share information by saying, “This is what is being said recently”
3. Borrow the doctor’s words
A way of conveying it by saying, “This is what the doctor told me”
4. Unify the policy as a couple
Discuss it as a couple in advance and face the same direction
• A stance of incorporating the good points of both old and new
• Respect both generational wisdom and modern science
• Above all, prioritize the “health of the baby and mother”
Summary: Don’t fear change, be flexible
The common sense of childbirth and childcare has changed significantly over the past 20 years.
But there are also things that do not change.
I think today’s moms are a blessed generation that can utilize the good points of both past wisdom and modern science.
The important thing is to “not be swayed by information and make the best choice for yourself and your baby.”
When you are lost, please do not hesitate to consult us. We midwives are also constantly learning the latest knowledge.
🤱 If you have any questions or concerns like “My parents say X...”, please let me know in the comments section.
I will answer as much as I can!
If you found this article helpful, I would be happy if you could share it with other pregnant women who are struggling in the same way.
I also accept your questions about pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare on my official LINE account → https://lin.ee/5BRu7Av
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