03/09/2026
When women gave birth many years ago, hospital birth followed a strict set of routines. Women laboured in small, bare rooms with very little comfort or support. Partners and family members were usually not allowed in the room, which meant many women laboured alone while their partners waited elsewhere.
Admission procedures were also very different. Shaving p***c hair and giving enemas were routine, based on the belief that they prevented infection or embarrassment during birth. At the time, these practices were rarely questioned.
Once labour progressed, birth typically happened in a room set up much like an operating theatre, not the same room they laboured in. Women were placed on a bed with stirrups, and medical staff directed the process. Episiotomies were almost automatic. It wasn’t until decades later that research showed cutting the perineum routinely could actually increase the risk of severe tears.
Medication was also commonly used. Sedatives, narcotics, and gas were frequently given during labour. Epidurals were heavy and often left women unable to move or push effectively, which meant instruments like forceps were used more often.
Caesareans were less common than they are today, partly because they were considered riskier at the time.
After birth, babies were quickly taken away to be cleaned and bathed because people believed newborns needed to be “sterilized” after birth. We now understand that immediate bathing can stress newborns and that their natural skin and bacteria offer important protection.
Postpartum care followed rigid routines, too. Babies were often kept in a nursery, brought to their mothers on a schedule for feeding. Breastfeeding support was inconsistent, and many mothers were encouraged to supplement with formula if any challenges arose.
Looking back, many of these practices were simply accepted as normal. But over time, research and advocacy from parents, midwives, nurses, and doctors began to change things.
Today, many hospitals offer birthing rooms designed for comfort and family presence. Partners and support people are usually welcome. Women have more options for movement, pain relief, and the type of support they want during labour. Education about breastfeeding and newborn care is also much more available.
That said, birth is still influenced by the culture of the place where it happens. Families often need to ask questions, learn about their options, and choose care providers who align with their goals.
Science isn't absolute. It's fluid and changes as information becomes more available.
In many ways, birth today offers more choice and knowledge than ever before.
Whether birth happens at home or in a hospital, having trusted people around you—people who respect your body and your decisions—can make all the difference.
Things today are better in many ways, but learning about birth culture and birth history is important so that we remember that things can always be better. We do better when we know better.
