Shows
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthRebroadcast of Spring: Reconceptualizing Due DatesThis episode is a rebroadcast of Season 1, Episode 71. In this episode, Sara talks about linguistic relativity, her favorite season shift (from winter to spring) and how the term "due date" can be all kinds of problematic!
2024-02-2927 min
Doula Well PodcastEp. 11 Being On-Call and Facing Our Egos with Sara Pixton of Birth Words“Unless I’m at a birth.” Every doula feels - or has felt - the tension of being on-call in their careers. And ‘being on call’ is one of the most-cited reasons for doula burnout. That’s why I wanted to dedicate several episodes regarding the on-call life in this season tackling doula burnout. I could think of no better place to start than this vulnerable, honest, and enlightening conversation with Sara Pixton! Sara Pixton, a birth doula, Applied Linguistics master’s student at UMass-Boston, and mom of three believes there is a synergistic energy when her two passio...
2024-02-0748 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthAdvocacy: Reframing a Hot Button Birth Issue as Educating, Empowering, and AmplifyingAdvocacy is one of those topics that can get birth workers taking sides and sharing strong opinions. In this episode, I argue that advocacy is the heart and soul of all client-centered birth work, and I frame it in a way that I think you'll agree with me! Get involved as an advocate at all levels of impact--with individuals, in your local environment, and at the state and federal levels. I close the episode with a call to action to support the Perinatal Workforce Act, complete with an easy step-by-step process to follow and a file to download and...
2024-01-3125 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthAmazing: A Pandemic Birth Story with Ella MinkIn this episode, Ella Mink shares her story of giving birth to her first daughter during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ella was 17 years old at the time and had an amazing water birth at a birth center that ignited her passion for birth, setting her on a path of becoming a birth and postpartum doula and nurse midwife.
2023-11-3021 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthStories: Powerful Tools for Social ChangeIn this episode, Sara considers the power of telling your birth story--or your pregnancy or postpartum story. Stories remind us that we are each unique, whole individuals with immeasurable worth and dignity. They highlight the barriers that need to be removed on our path to a better birth experience, and they showcase what's possible if we work together for change. If you'd like to share your story on the podcast, email birthwordspodcast@gmail.com or reach out on Instagram or Facebook (@birthwords). REFERENCES American Psychological Association. (2021, Ju ne). Carl Rogers, PhD. h...
2023-10-3122 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthUnethical: How Ethics Fade from View in the Birth SpaceIn this episode, Sara confronts the topic of ethics in the birth space. Unfortunately, ethically objectionable things happen frequently in the birth space. Even more unfortunately, they are often not recognized as such. Using the explanations of ethical fading, Sara explores many ethically questionable things that have been justified to be regularly done during birth. REFERENCES: Betrán, A. P., Torloni, Zhang, J., & Gülmezoglu, A. M. (2015). WHO Statement on Caesarean Section Rates. Bjog: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 123(5), 667–670. https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.13526 Betran, A. P., Ye, J., M...
2023-09-2529 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthRebirth: Birth Words is Back for Season 2... With a Twist!After a two-year hibernation, Birth Words is being reborn! Season 2 of Birth Words will offer monthly episodes, plus a new twist... listen to this episode to find out more! TRANSCRIPT: Intro: Welcome to birth words. Words are powerful. What are you doing with yours? In this podcast, birth doula and Applied Linguistics scholar Sara Pixton invites you to be intentional, reflective, and empowering with your language as we come together to honor those who give birth. Hello, this is Sara with Birth Words, and I am thrilled to be back in t...
2023-08-1513 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthNarratives: What to Do When Someone Starts Telling a Birth "Horror Story"In this episode, Sara discusses what to do when family, friends, or others start telling birth "horror stories" at baby showers or in birthing spaces. She uses the framework of narrative analysis to offer ideas about constructive ways to respond in these situations. TRANSCRIPT: Welcome. This is episode number 78 of Birth Words. Today we'll be talking about what to do when you're in a birth space or at a baby shower or any sort of event like that. When someone starts telling a birth horror story Intro: Welcome to birth words. W...
2021-06-2122 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthNecessary: Talking About Pelvic Floor Health with Dr. Betty DeLass, DPTIn this episode, Sara interviews pelvic floor PT Betty DeLass. Betty discusses the importance of normalizing pelvic health through talking about it! She also makes an exciting announcement about how she's working to improve the perinatal experience for *everyone*! TRANSCRIPT: Welcome to episode number 77 of the Birth Words podcast. Today, I am thrilled to introduce you to Dr. Betty DeLass, a pelvic floor physical therapist who has so much good stuff to say. Intro: Welcome to Birth Words. Words are powerful. What are you doing with yours? In this podcast, birth do...
2021-06-0722 min
In Her Image: Finding Heavenly Mother in Scripture, Scholarship, the Arts, Mythology & Everyday Life6. What's in a Name? with Scholar Sarai Lambert PixtonIn this episode, Sara interviews Sarai Lambert Pixton, who wrote her undergraduate philosophy capstone paper about Heavenly Mother and the importance of our language reflecting our belief in Her Divinity.
REFERENCES:
Paulsen, D. L., & Pulido, M. (2011). " A Mother There": A Survey of Historical Teachings about Mother in Heaven. BYU Studies Quarterly, 50(1), 7. https://byustudies.byu.edu/article/a-mother-there-a-survey-of-historical-teachings-about-mother-in-heaven/
Steenblik, R. H. (2017). "What Rosemary Taught Me," in Mother's Milk. By Common Consent.
2021-05-2339 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthBonding: The Benefits of Talking to Your Baby in Utero!Sara summarizes fetal hearing development, then describes the benefits of talking to your baby during pregnancy--for both you and baby! TRANSCRIPT: Hello, welcome to episode number 76 of Birth Words. Today's episode is especially for expectant parents, and we'll be talking about why you should talk to your baby in utero. Intro: Welcome to Birth Words. Words are powerful. What are you doing with yours? In this podcast, birth doula and applied linguistics scholar Sara Pixton invites you to be intentional, reflective, and empowering with your language as we come together to h...
2021-05-1712 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthMagical: A Conversation with Women's Health Coach Meredith Ashton Cohen About the Menstrual CycleIn this episode, guest Meredith Ashton Cohen uses the metaphor of the changing seasons to describe the menstrual cycle and how to live your best life by better understanding each season of the menstrual cycle. TRANSCRIPT: Welcome to Birth Words. This is episode number 75. Today, I'm talking with Meredith Ashton Cohen, certified birth doula and women's health coach, about the menstrual cycle and how using the metaphor of the changing seasons can help you live your best life throughout all phases of your menstrual cycle. Intro: Welcome to Birth Words. Words are powerful...
2021-05-0323 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthRoots: Rebroadcast of Birth Words, Episode 1This week on the podcast, I'm bringing Birth Words back to its roots. I aired the first episode of Birth Words on June 29, 2019. Since then, I've produced over 70 unique episodes, and gained lots of listeners. And this week, I'm rebroadcasting that very first episode. So, if you haven't yet listened to the story of the birth of Birth Words (or even if you have), give this episode a listen!
2021-04-1916 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthCommunication: Changing the Way You Speak to Fit Your CircumstancesIn this episode, Sara discusses the concept of communicative repertoires: the idea that we modify the way we speak to fit the circumstances we're in and our relationships (real or intended) with the person we're talking to. Sara poses questions for birthgivers and birthworkers to consider as they communicate with others during pregnancy and birth.
2021-04-0509 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthTeacher: Learning Life's Lessons During an 80-Hour Labor, with Michelle KnightIn this week's episode, I talk with Michelle Knight about how the process of giving birth was a great teacher that shaped Michelle's approach to life afterward. We also discuss the power of sharing stories about the challenges of our birth and postpartum experiences. Our words can validate these experiences and invite others to find the support they need as we shift identities while moving into parenthood.
2021-03-2218 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthSpring: Reconceptualizing Due DatesIn this episode, Sara talks about linguistic relativity, her favorite season shift (from winter to spring) and how the term "due date" can be all kinds of problematic! Resources: Sapir, Edward, and Benjamin Whorf. "The relation of habitual thought and behavior to language." Language, Thought and Reality (1956): 134-159. Boroditsky, Lera. How Language Shapes the Way We Think. TED. November 2017. Video, 14:04. https://www.ted.com/talks/lera_boroditsky_how_language_shapes_the_way_we_think?language=en#t-855520.
2021-03-0828 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthWorkshop: A Sneak Peek into the Birth Words In-Depth Workshop for BirthworkersBirthworkers, this one's for you! In this week's special episode, listen to four birthworkers discuss what they learned from and loved about the Birth Words In-Depth Workshop for Birthworkers. When you're ready to enroll in the workshop, head over to www.birthwords.com/classes and choose the option that works best for you: ONLINE or LIVE (03.27.21 in Lehi, UT). Earn 8 ICEA contact hours, learn things about language that will improve the care you give your clients and benefit ALL of your interpersonal relations, and have fun while you're at it! Can't wait to see you there!
2021-03-0124 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthUnknown: An Interview with Birthing from Within Trainer Nikki ShaheedIn this week's episode, Nikki Shaheed talks about how to discover your heart's question to guide your birth, the various archetypes for approaching the birth experience, and the etiquette for Laborland. Nikki's powerful interview highlights the power of leading with questions, respecting the individuality of each birther and birth experience, and being okay with the unknown.
2021-02-2222 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthRespect: Honorifics and the Circle of SupportIn this episode, we consider how and to whom we show respect through language. Specifically, we consider the use and impact of titles (or lack thereof) by birth care providers. Sara invites you to be reflective about the care providers you choose, the titles they use or don't use, and the relationships these honorifics support. REFERENCES: Wardhaugh, Ronald. An introduction to sociolinguistics (2nd Edition). Vol. 28. John Wiley & Sons, 2015.
2021-02-0819 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthIntricate: Kayte Gardner Tells Her Birth StoriesIn this week's episode Kayte Gardner talks about the stories we tell ourselves about birth, birth trauma, and "high-risk" pregnancy and birth. Tune in to hear her tell her stories of loss and feelings of brokenness and of surprising herself and finding a passion in birth work.
2021-01-2525 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthConduit: Communication Isn't a Matter of Boxing Up MeaningIn this episode, Sara discusses the conduit metaphor identified by linguist Michael Reddy. The conduit metaphor is an oversimplification of communication and language. This metaphor assumes that communicating is a simple act of packaging up your meaning in words and sending it to another person, who unproblematically opens it and understands precisely your meaning and intention. But anyone who has ever conversed with anyone knows that this is oversimplified and that communication is fraught with misunderstanding! How does this apply to pregnancy, birth, and postpartum? Sara discusses the role and mission of Birth Words and how, through...
2021-01-1119 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthExalted: A Conversation with Alisa Crawshaw about the Noble Work of ParenthoodIn this conversation, Alisa, doula and mother to two (soon to be three) talks about her birth stories. She discusses the people who guided her on her path to her beautiful births, and her orgasmic first birth. She also tells about the work she does with her clients to guide them as they discover and claim their power in parenthood.
2020-12-2821 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthAssumptions IIII: Figured Worlds and Birth IIIIThis episode is the last in the series on figured worlds. (Other episodes in this series include episodes 59, 61, and 63.) In this episode, Sara discusses her narrow lens and assumptions with regard to figured worlds and birth. Then, we conclude the series on figured worlds by discussing prominent environments, institutions, and values in the birth experience.
2020-12-1420 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthCool: My Husband's Perspective on BirthThis week, meet my husband, Clark, as he tells the stories of the births of our three children and reflects on the roles of preparation and language. REFERENCES: Gee, James Paul. How to do discourse analysis: A toolkit. Routledge, 2014.
2020-11-3029 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthAssumptions III: Figured Worlds and Birth IIIIn this episode, Sara talks more about figured worlds and birth, diving into the importance of language, people, and objects. The typical, simplified picture that comes to mind is called a figured world, and it is influenced by the language that we hear and the experiences we've had. Let's be mindful about our language so that we positively influence others' figured worlds about birth!
2020-11-2019 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthAssumptions III: Figured Worlds and Birth IIIIn this episode, Sara talks more about figured worlds and birth, diving into the importance of language, people, and objects. The typical, simplified picture that comes to mind is called a figured world, and it is influenced by the language that we hear and the experiences we've had. Let's be mindful about our language so that we positively influence others' figured worlds about birth!
2020-11-1604 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthHistory: A Discussion with Dr. Laurel Thatcher Ulrich About Her Book, A Midwife's TaleIn this episode, I interview Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author Laurel Thatcher Ulrich about her book, A Midwife's Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on Her Diary, 1785-1812. We discuss the unique writing style of Martha as an 18th century woman, the changing roles of midwives and doctors at the turn of the 19th century, and the many factors that influence the ways in which women have experienced childbirth over the centuries.
2020-11-0236 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthAssumptions II: Figured Worlds and Birth IIIn this episode, we're digging more into figured worlds: the typical story of giving birth. What do people typically assume about the participants, activities, and ways of interacting during pregnancy and birth? REFERENCES: Gee, James Paul. How to do discourse analysis: A toolkit. Routledge, 2014.
2020-10-1914 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthChoice II: A Conversation with My Mom, Vicki Collet, About Thoughtful Language ChoicesI'm thrilled to introduce you this week to the most special of all special guests: my mom, Vicki Collet! Vicki is an an associate professor of elementary education who also teaches doctoral courses in literacy studies. Before her work in teacher preparation, she taught in kindergarten through 12th grade and worked as a literacy coach and district curriculum coordinator. She is passionate about choosing language to positive effect, and has always been an example to me of speaking highly of the gift of giving life. In this episode, she shares her thoughts about the power of words and i...
2020-10-0526 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthAssumptions: Figured Worlds and BirthIn this episode, Sara introduces the concept of figured worlds. Figured worlds are the simplified mental perceptions we have of the way things typically work. In birth, common figured worlds hold many families back from having empowered, active birth experiences. REFERENCES: Gee, James Paul. How to do discourse analysis: A toolkit. Routledge, 2014. Holland, Dorothy C., William Lachicotte Jr, Debra Skinner, and Carole Cain. Identity and agency in cultural worlds. Harvard University Press, 2001.
2020-09-2118 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthPartnership: Talking About Partners and Communication with Childbirth Educator, Yogini, and Doula Alleah Erica ClarkeIn this week's episode of Birth Words, I get to introduce you to the lovely Alleah Erica Clarke. Alleah Erica is a yoga teacher, childbirth educator, and gestational coach. She hosts The Partners Workshop, where she helps couples engage as a partnership during pregnancy and birth. In this episode, she discusses how communication between partners--both verbal and nonverbal--can be a powerful force for good during pregnancy and birth.
2020-09-0725 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthHonor: A Critical Look at Caregiver-Client ConversationIn this episode, Sara looks at caregiver-client conversations and how they can reinforce asymmetrical power relationships. She invites birthgivers to mindfully choose a midwife or obstetrician who honors your autonomy and power as the one growing and giving life. References: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHiu94RzDhQ Leahy, Margaret M. "Therapy talk: Analyzing therapeutic discourse." Language Speech and Hearing Services in Schools 35, no. 1 (2004): 70-81.
2020-08-2424 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthMiscarriage II: Lara Freidenfelds and 'The Myth of the Perfect Pregnancy'In this episode, Sara interviews author and historian Lara Freidenfelds about her book The Myth of the Perfect Pregnancy. Lara discusses the knowledge we've gained about early pregnancy and miscarriage, as well as wisdom we've lost from earlier times.
2020-08-1025 min
Down to Birth#41 | How the Language We Use Impacts Our Birth: Interview with Sara Pixton of Birth WordsHave you ever wondered why we call it "labor" or say he or she "delivered" my baby? Maybe you felt defeated when your care provider diagnosed you with "failure to progress" or suggested you had an "incompetent cervix". The words we use matter a lot. Sara is a mother, educator, birth worker and founder of Birth Words. With a master's degree in linguistics, she was inspired to fuse her passion for words and birth into a revolutionary movement, bringing awareness to the words we use and reframing our language in a way that gives strength to the birthing woman...
2020-08-0533 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthEmpowering: Choosing Our Language to Honor Life-Giving AgentsIn this episode, Sara considers the importance of using language that recognizes the power of birthgivers! She takes a critical look at some common descriptions and depictions of childbirth. Links for Excerpts and Clip Discussed: https://medlineplus.gov/childbirth.html https://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/delivery-methods https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwP__y5lEHM
2020-07-2729 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthEmpowered: LMT Kristy Burtenshaw Discusses Fascial Release, Birth, and the Power of Our WordsThis episode is an interview with licensed massage therapist Kristy Burtenshaw. Kristy discusses the role that fascia plays in the physiological and emotional process of birth, and how our words play an important supporting role in that process.
2020-07-1317 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthAnnouncementHeading in to year two of the Birth Words podcast, we'll be shifting to an every-other-week schedule. Tune in next week for another episode of Birth Words!
2020-07-0600 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthIntentional: Choosing our Birth Language for Positive ChangeIn this episode, Sara considers the effects of our words. She invites birthgivers and birth workers alike to be intentional about using words that point towards positive change and honor the power of those who give life.
2020-06-2912 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthInception: You Can't Unsee An Empowered BirthIn this episode, birth videographer and podcast host Sarah Asay talks about birth videography and how she uses video as a mediating tool to capture birth experiences and communicate powerful messages.
2020-06-2213 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthReflective: Consider the Influences on and of Your WordsIn this episode, Sara invites listeners to be reflective about the words that they use in the realms of racial injustice and in all aspects of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
2020-06-1517 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthSpecial Episode 1 | Competency (Rebroadcast) | Cultural Humility and Diversity: A Conversation with Dr. Sayida PeprahThis special episode is a rebroadcast of a conversation with Dr. Sayida Peprah, previously aired as episode 28. In this interview, Dr. Sayida discusses the importance of being authentic, humble, and curious when interacting with others from different cultures or circumstances.
2020-06-0821 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthIntuitive: Two Hypno-Home Birth StoriesIn this episode, mother Jess Burdette shares the stories of her two home births, which she prepared for with Hypnobabies. She discusses the importance of being intentional about the words and stories we let into our pregnancies and birth experiences, and the power of encouraging words.
2020-06-0814 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthSilence II: Black Lives MatterIn this episode, we revisit the topic of silence and discuss how silence, though appropriate in some scenarios, is inappropriate in others. We consider the death of George Floyd, the astonishingly high maternal mortality rate for birthgivers of color in the US, and commit to use our voices to rise above silence and create a more peaceful world. REFERENCES: Austin, John. “How to Do Things with Words.” In The Discourse Reader, edited by Adam Jaworski and Nikolas, 51-61. New York, NY: Routledge, 2014. “Reproductive Injustice: Racial and Gender Discrimination in U.S. Healthc...
2020-06-0112 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthHope & Choice: Birth Moms Stacey and Chanel Discuss the Language of AdoptionIn this episode, Stacey and Chanel, who each chose adoption for their birth children years ago, discuss the important role that language played and continue to plays in the choices.
2020-05-2519 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthSilence: Communication Beyond LanguageThis episode unpacks the role of silence in the birth space. REFERENCES: Buckley, Sarah. Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering: A Doctor’s Guide to Natural Childbirth and Gentle Early Parenting Choices Berkeley, CA: Celestial Arts, 2009. Patterson, Adam. “Wittgenstein's Silence.” New Narrative. 19 June 2013, https://www.new-narrative.com/2013/06/19/wittgensteins-silence/. Vlăduțescu, Ștefan. "Communication of Silence at Ludwig Wittgenstein: Linguistic Silence." International Letters of Social and Humanistic Sciences 16 (2014): 81-86.
2020-05-1815 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthEmpowerment II: Dr. Michelle Coats Discusses Whole-Person Pregnancy CareIn this episode, Dr. Michelle Coats talks about how she cares for her clients during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. She shares her perspective of the transformative and empowering process of giving life and how she provides physical and emotional support to her clients throughout this miraculous process.
2020-05-1117 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthMetaphor: What Underlies the Way You Speak About Birth?In this episode, Sara introduces the idea of concept metaphors: the metaphors that operate underneath our speech (often subconsciously). She explores several concept metaphors relating to pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum time.
2020-05-0414 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthTransformative: A Conversation About Words and Physiology with Birthful's Adriana LozadaIn this episode, Adriana Lozada shares her insights about the power of her birth podcast, Birthful, and the power of positive birth frameworks. She also discusses how language can be a barrier to the physiological unfolding of birth.
2020-04-2717 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthAgentive II: Affirmations for Giving Birth in the Time of COVID-19This episode is a mash-up of Episode 15 (Affirmations) and Episode 41 (Agentive). Sara talks about the linguistic power of affirmations and the importance of using language that rightly frames the birthgiver as the central agent bringing forth new life, and provides frames and idea seeds for writing powerful affirmations for those preparing to give birth during COVID-19.
2020-04-2014 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthHopeful: A Conversation with Kerry Tuschoff, Hypnobabies Founder and DirectorIn this podcast episode, Hypnobabies founder and director, Kerry Tuschoff, shares her thoughts about the power of language during pregnancy and birth. Kerry gives examples of common phrases used during birth that can be disempowering and induce pain and fear, then offers positive alternatives that frame birth as a powerful, beautiful experience.
2020-04-1322 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthAgentive: Giving Birth in the Time of COVID-19In this episode, Sara considers the unique situation of the global COVID-19 pandemic and what birthgivers can do to claim their power as life-giving agents engaged in a praiseworthy work.
2020-04-0613 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthSelf-Love: A Birth Photographer's Perspective On Body Positivity with Lindsey RiveraThis episode is a conversation with Salt Lake area birth photographer Lindsey Rivera. Lindsey discusses her experience with birth and how it has shaped her career as a birth photographer who reveals her clients' beauty and power.
2020-03-3022 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthPregnancy: "Expecting," "With Child," and Other ColloquialismsIn this episode, Sara talks about some colloquialisms used to refer to pregnancy. REFERENCES: Etymonline. (2020). Pregnant. In Online etymology dictionary. https://www.etymonline.com/word/pregnant Steinmetz, K. (2019, May 11). It's time to rethink the demeaning ways we describe pregnancy. Time. https://time.com/5587321/knocked-up-pregnant-synonyms/
2020-03-2309 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthValidate: A Comparison of Two Birth Stories with Renee BashamIn this episode, doula Renee Basham shares about the difference validation made in her pregnancy and birth experiences. Renee is the Executive Director of Hope's Embrace, a non-profit organization in Kentucky that provides doula services to those who need them most.
2020-03-1615 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthRebroadcast: Discourse: Ways of Speaking and Ways of Being in BirthThis episode is a rebroadcast of Episode 4, Discourse: Ways of Speaking and Ways of Being in Birth. Sara explains the linguistic concept of discourse (and Discourse) and what that looks like in a birth setting. Listen to this episode to learn more! REFERENCE: Gee, J. P. (1999). An introduction to discourse analysis: Theory and method. (Fourth Edition, 2014). London: Routledge. TRANSCRIPT: We are going to talk today about a man named James Paul Gee. He is a notable linguist--he's still around today, and he did a lot of work in defining a term called “discourse.” So...
2020-03-0912 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthFailure? Let's Eradicate the Word from Our Birth VocabularyThis episode takes a critical look at the term "failure to progress." REFERENCES: Dekker, R. (n.d.). Evidence On: Failure to Progress. Retrieved February 29, 2020, from https://evidencebasedbirth.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Failure-to-Progress-Handout.pdf Dekker, R. (2017, April 26). Evidence on: Failure to Progress. Retrieved February 29, 2020, from https://evidencebasedbirth.com/friedmans-curve-and-failure-to-progress-a-leading-cause-of-unplanned-c-sections/ Other recommended resources: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/prolonged-second-stage-of-labor/ https://evidencebasedbirth.com/real-life-stories-failure-progress/
2020-03-0210 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthRebroadcast: An Overview of LinguisticsThis week's episode is taking us back to the Birth Words basics. A rebroadcast of episode 2, this episode summarizes what linguistics is and how it intersects with birth.
2020-02-2409 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthLove: A Conversation with Mother Katherine GrandeFor this week's episode, I interview my friend Katherine Grande about her birth experiences. Katherine had a meaningful impact on my perspective on birth during my first pregnancy and beyond. She spoke about birth using positive, glowing terms--a way I'd never heard women speak about birth before! In this interview, Katherine tells how she drew on her faith to shape her beautiful birth experiences.
2020-02-1726 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthAnalysis: A Discourse Analysis of "What to Expect When You're Expecting"In this episode, Sara digs into an excerpt of the common pregnancy book, What to Expect When You're Expecting. Through her analysis, she reveals the assumptions, perspective, and effect of the text.
2020-02-1022 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthImpactful: A Conversation About Trauma-Informed Care with Therapist Sarah AdelmannIn this week's episode, therapist Sarah Adelmann of Resilient Birth shares guidelines about how to mindfully choose our words as part of giving trauma-informed care to survivors of trauma and abuse. Learn more about Resilient Birth at https://www.resilientbirth.com/ TRANSCRIPT: Sara P.: Sarah is an advocate, counselor and educator whose focus is on supporting those with grief and trauma. She specializes in working with survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence in the perinatal period. Sarah has an MA in counseling psychology from Boston College, and a certification in...
2020-02-0325 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthRomance: How to Say 'Give Birth' in Three Romance LanguagesIn this episode, I discuss how to say "give birth" in French, Spanish, and Italian REFERENCES: Google Books NGram Viewer. Retrieved from: https://books.google.com/ngrams/graph?content=dar+a+luz&year_start=1500&year_end=2008&corpus=21&smoothing=3&share=&direct_url=t1%3B%2Cdar%20a%20luz%3B%2Cc0 Google Books NGram Viewer. Retrieved from: https://books.google.com/ngrams/graph?content=dare+alla+luce&year_start=1400&year_end=2019&corpus=22&smoothing=3&share=&direct_url=t1%3B%2Cdare%20alla%20luce%3B%2Cc0 Lindsay, L. (n.d...
2020-01-2713 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthSacred: A Conversation About Birth and Motherhood with Mother Jenessa BergIn this episode, I talk with Jenessa Berg. She shares her thoughts about motherhood as a creative process, birth-related terms that can be taken multiple ways, and the circle of support during birth. TRANSCRIPT: Sara: On today's podcast, I will be talking with my friend Jenessa Berg. Jenessa is the mother to three children, a dancer and dance teacher, and an aspiring birth worker. Welcome, Jenessa to the Birth Words podcast. Jenessa: Thank you. I'm so excited to be here. Sara:...
2020-01-2019 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthServing: Reflections on Rachel Remen's Essay, "Helping, Fixing, or Serving?"In this episode, I revew key points made by Rachel Naomi Remen in her essay, "Helping, Fixing, or Serving?" I consider their application to birth and the importance of viewing all in the birth space as whole. TRANSCRIPT: Welcome to today's episode. So today I want to have a conversation about an article that I read years ago that was very influential for me. It was written by Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen. She is an Associate Clinical Professor of Family and Community Medicine UCSF Medical School and the co-founder and medical director of the Commonwealth...
2020-01-1312 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthCompetency: Understanding and Interacting in Varied Cultural SettingsThis week's episode is a special one recorded AT the Evidence Based Birth Conference in Lexington, KY, where Dr. Sayida Peprah delivered two powerful keynote addresses. In this interview, Dr. Sayida discusses the importance of being authentic, humble, and curious when interacting with others from different cultures or circumstances. TRANCRIPT: Sara: Welcome, Dr. Sayida, to the Birth Words podcast. It's a pleasure to have you here. Dr. Sayida: Thank you. Sara: I wanted to talk with you a little bit...
2020-01-0621 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthDecomposition: A Close Look at the Lexical Features of Some Birth WordsIn this episode, Sara takes a close look at some pairings of words commonly used in birth and what lexically defines each word. Often, one word better contributes to an empowered birth experience. TRANSCRIPT: Hi, and welcome to today's episode. As I said in the introduction, we will be doing some lexical decomposition during this episode. Stay tuned to figure out what that means. But I wanted to start by drawing your attention to my new website. I've mentioned it previously, but I want to give a little more detail about the features...
2019-12-3019 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthInfertility III: A Conversation with Natasha Marchand of Bebo MiaIn this episode, I continue the conversation from previous episodes about the language surrounding infertility. Natasha Marchand, co-founder of Bebo Mia, discusses the unique situations of would-be expectant parents facing infertility, and what helpful and non-helpful language looks like. TRANSCRIPT: Sara Pixton: Welcome to today's episode. Before we jump in, I just want to say if you have listened to the podcast before and you are loving it, please leave a review on your podcast app, so more people can find out about Birth Words and be touched by the things t...
2019-12-2325 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthLife-Changing: Interview with Dunstan Baby Language Educator Kelly Buck In this week's episode, I interview Kelly Buck, a Dunstan Baby Language Educator and doula. She talks about the Dunstan Baby Language program and how it gives us a window into the first communicative interactions between baby and caregiver. From birth, babies make sounds that are reflex-based. When we understand what these sounds mean, we can respond to and interact with babies more confidently and effectively. TRANSCRIPT: Sara: Hi, welcome to the Birth Words podcast. Today, I'm chatting with my friend and fellow doula Kelly Buck. Kelly is also a Dunstan Baby Language e...
2019-12-1617 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthDeliver: An Etymological History of Giving BirthThis episode takes a look at the history of the use of the word "deliver" in relation to childbirth. REFERENCES: Exodus 1:19. Retrieved from https://biblehub.com/text/exodus/1-19.htm Oxford English Dictionary (2019). Deliver. Retrieved from https://www-oed-com.erl.lib.byu.edu/view/Entry/49470?rskey=blB3K2&result=2#eid TRANSCRIPT: Hi, so we are here today to talk about the word deliver. We touched on this a little bit in previous episode, number 18, with Rebecca Dekker. She is the founder of Evidence Based Birth and th...
2019-12-0915 min
Evidence Based Birth®EBB 106 - EBB Conference Series: Nurses and DoulasThis episode is the first in our series of interviews we conducted live from the 2019 Evidence Based Birth Conference - Bringing the Evidence to Life. EBB Instructor and Professional Membership Coordinator Chanté Perryman interviewed several different panels of attendees, hearing from them the most pressing issues in their communities, and how they plan to affect change after being inspired at the conference. This week, we will hear from nurses and doulas: doula Rebecca McKinney, doula Sara Pixton, and labor and delivery nurse Paula Richards. Listen as they highlight some of the challenges faced between the two professions, an...
2019-12-0423 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthPain: A Necessary Part of Birth?In this episode, I tackle the topic of pain during labor and childbirth. REFERENCES: Chooi C. S. L., Nerlekar R., Raju R., Cyna A. M. (2011). The effects of positive or negative words when assessing postoperative pain. Anaesthesia and Intensive Care 39(1), 101-106. Dick-Read, G. (1984). Childbirth without fear. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers. Mongan, M. (1992). HypnoBirthing: The Mongan method. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Heath Communications. TRANSCRIPT: Before we get started today, I just wanted to give a shout out to the social media group Birth Words Community. If y...
2019-12-0212 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthInfertility II: A Social and Historical Perspective with Margaret QuinlanIn this episode, I interview Margaret Quinlan and hear her perspective about the social phenomenon surrounding the topic of infertility. Margaret M. Quinlan is an associate professor in the department of communication studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She explores how communication creates, resists and transforms knowledges about bodies. She critiques power structures in order to empower individuals who are marginalized inside and outside of healthcare systems. She authored approximately 40 journal articles, 17 book chapters and co-produced documentaries in a regional Emmy award-winning series. She co-authored "You’re Doing It Wrong! Mothering, Media, and Medical Expe...
2019-11-2524 min
The Birth Geeks' podcastSpecial Collaboration Episode with Sara Pixton of Birth WordsIn this special bonus collaboration episode Hillary talks to Sara Pixton from the Birth Words Podcast! This conversation focuses on 3 ways to better communicate for pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period, and we hope you will find it helpful and a thought provoking consideration of language including pronouns, nouns, intention, power, prepositions, and more. If you are interested in the intersection between language, birth, and anthropology, this is a great episode for you. As childbirth professionals the words we choose to use can make a huge difference in our efficacy and how people think about their experience and even t...
2019-11-1829 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthCollaboration: Birth Geeks and Birth Words Unite! with Hillary MelchiorsIn this episode, I collaborate with Hillary Melchiors from the Birth Geeks podcast, as we discuss three guiding principles for positive language during pregnancy and birth. Transcript: Hillary Hi, Sara! Sara Hi Hillary! How are you? I'm just fabulous. I'm so excited to be talking to you. Hillary Ditto, I'm a big fan. I totally fangirled when I met you, by the way. Do you remember that? Sara Oh, I totally remember. It made my evening. I w...
2019-11-1830 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthConsent: A Progression of Decision-Making in BirthIn this episode, I tackle the hot topic of consent in the birth space. TRANSCRIPT: Before we jump into the content on today's episode, I wanted to encourage you to head on over to www.birthwords.com, check out the new website and all the features there. You'll notice a few things. There's a Classes tab, where you can sign up for one-on-one video consults. And I'd love to meet with you that way, either for expectant families or birth professionals. Stay tuned, in a while those will turn into full fledged online courses, but...
2019-11-1119 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthPhotography: An Interview with Birth Photographer Sarah Roberts of Yellow Kite Lifestyle PhotographySarah Roberts, birth photographer, shares her birth experiences and journey to becoming a birth photographer. We discuss the rhetorical role of being a birth photographer in the community and how her profession honors the birth experience. TRANSCRIPT: Sara Welcome to the Birth Words podcast. Today we have a special guest, my friend Sarah Roberts. She is a lifestyle photographer and specializes in birth photography. She is here today to tell us about her stories of birth with her three children and the role that language played in those births. So...
2019-11-0424 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthPower: A Conversation with Rebecca Dekker of Evidence Based Birth about Power Dynamics in BirthThis episode features a very special guest: Dr. Rebecca Dekker, founder of Evidence Based Birth. Dr. Dekker shares her thoughts and experiences surrounding problematic and empowering language used during birth.
2019-10-2822 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthComplexities II: A Close Look Conflicting Beliefs Reflected in Communication During BirthIn this episode--an extension of Episode 9 (Complexities)--Sara examines two excerpts from birth stories to further consider the complexities of our communicative interactions. She dissects the underlying beliefs accompanying the utterances exchanged during a birth to discover why some interactions are negative and others are positive.
2019-10-2115 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthChoice: A Story about Emergency C-SectionEpisode 16 features Lisa Cowan, a Utah-based birth doula with a unique birth story. She shares her story about her unexpected cesarean birth and how the words of others affected her throughout her birth and postpartum journey.
2019-10-1423 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthAffirmations: A Linguistic PerspectiveIn this episode, I take a linguistic lens to consider the role and implications of birth affirmations. REFERENCES: Austin, J.L. (2014). How to do things with words. In Jaworski & N. Coupland (Eds.), The discourse reader (pp. 51-61). New York, NY: Routledge. Butler, J. (1997). On linguistic vulnerability. In J. Butler, Excitable speech: A politics of the performative (pp. 1-41). New York, NY: Routledge. Goffman, E. (1981). Forms of talk (pp. 124-159). Cambridge: Harvard University Press. Meyer, C. F. (2009). Introducing English linguistics. Cambridge, GB: Cambridge University Press. Searle, J. (1972). What is...
2019-10-0723 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthHealing: A Postpartum JourneyIn this episode, I welcome Heidi Pyper, a fellow doula who shares her experiences about a difficult postpartum period. She discusses how problematic language made it challenging to get the help she needed at first, but she moved forward to find healing.
2019-09-3022 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthEmpowerment: A Chat with Bilingual Doula Carla BelliardIn this episode, I talk with Carla Belliard, a bilingual doula serving Utah. We discuss her linguistic background and how it affects her work as a doula.
2019-09-2319 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthImagery: A Powerful Semiotic SystemIn this episode, I consider the power of drawing on imagery and symbols during the birth experience.
2019-09-1609 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthVBAC: Interview with Julie and Meagan of The VBAC LinkIn this episode, I pick the brains of Julie Francom and Meagan Heaton of The VBAC Link. We discuss the important way that the words we choose affect the experiences of women giving birth after a previous cesarean. URLS mentioned in this episode: www.thevbaclink.com
2019-09-0935 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthAmazing: Birth Stories of Positive Partner SupportIn this episode, my friend Crystal discusses her two birth experiences and how she felt supported through positive language.
2019-09-0214 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthComplexities: Communication During ChildbirthIn this episode, Sara considers some complexities of communication. When we speak, we're not only producing phrases or sentences. Our speech also communicates our underlying beliefs and assumptions. In a birth setting, this becomes especially important. Sara unpacks several utterances produced by a variety of speakers in various birth stories to discuss their underlying beliefs and assumptions.
2019-08-2614 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthMiscarriage: An Autoethnographic PerspectiveIn this episode, I unpack a personal experience with miscarriage to shed light on some factors that make miscarriage a difficult experience. I use an autoethnographic lens--Dell Hymes' SPEAKING framework--to consider a communicative interaction that occurred during a personal miscarriage experience.
2019-08-1917 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthInfertility: A Matter of IdentityThis episode explores an important and sensitive topic. I unpack my own experiences with infertility in light of related linguistic and psychological work. REFERENCES: Blommaert, J. (2005). Discourse: A critical introduction. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Jaffe, J., Diamnod, M.O., and Diamond, D. (2005). Unsung lullabies: understanding and coping with infertility. New York, NY: St. Martin's Griffin. Pennycook, A. (2007). Global Englishes and transcultural flows (pp. 58-77). New York, NY: Routledge.
2019-08-1217 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthTransformational: A Birth StoryIn this episode, my friend Joanie tells the story of her first birth. Joanie says that if she had to describe her birth experience in just one word, she'd call it transformational.
2019-08-0523 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthGenesis: An Unmedicated VBAC StoryIn Episode 5, I tell the story of my life-changing VBAC and how I prepared for it by immersing myself in positive narratives and language practices. URLS mentioned in this episode: www.summitbirthutah.com/birthwords REFERENCES: Gaskin, I. M., (2003). Ina May’s guide to childbirth. New York, NY: Bantam Dell. Austine, F., Axman, L., Farrell, H., Allgood, R., & Ripley, S. (2012). The Gift of Giving Life: Rediscovering the Divine Nature of Pregnancy and Childbirth. Culver City, CA: Madison & West Publishers.
2019-07-2915 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthDiscourse: Ways of Speaking and Ways of Being in BirthIn episode 4, Sara explains the linguistic concept of discourse (and Discourse) and what that looks like in a birth setting. Listen to this episode to learn more! URLS mentioned in this episode: www.summitbirthutah.com/birthwords TRANSCRIPT: Hello and welcome to Episode 4: Discourse. We are going to talk today about a man named James Paul Gee. He is a notable linguist--he's still around today, and he did a lot of work in defining a term called “discourse.” So, Gee differentiates between Little D “discourse,” as in the word “discourse,” spelled with a lowercase D, and Big D...
2019-07-2212 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthEmergency: A Cesarean Twin Birth StoryIn this episode, Sara tells the story of her first birth experience: an emergency c-section with twins. She considers the role that her self-imposed identity labels played during pregnancy and birth. URLS referenced: http://www.summitbirthutah.com/birthwords
2019-07-1317 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthLinguistics: An OverviewIn this episode, Sara gives an overview of the different branches of linguistics and coins the term "perinatal linguistics" to describe the work at the intersection of birth work and applied linguistics. As a perinatal linguist, Sara uses the knowledge, theories, and frameworks of linguistics to describe situations and experiences within pregnancy and birth and aims to improve the pregnancy and birth experience for birthgivers. URLS mentioned in this episode: www.summitbirthutah.com/birthwords TRANSCRIPT: Hi. Welcome, welcome to the second episode of the Birth Words podcast, wh...
2019-07-0810 min
Birth Words: Language For a Better BirthEmergence: The Birth of a PodcastIn this episode, Sara tells the backstory about how the Birth Words podcast came to be. URLS mentioned during this episode: www.summitbirthutah.com/birthwords
2019-06-3015 min