Obstetric Violence and How Midwives Offer a Non-Violent Alternative

In this episode of The Homebirth Midwife Podcast, Sarah and Charli unpack the challenging but vital topic of obstetric violence. They explore how mistreatment during pregnancy and birth can take many forms—from subtle dismissiveness and coercive language to invasive procedures performed without consent—and why these experiences are so often minimized or normalized. Drawing on their years of midwifery experience, they discuss the cultural and systemic roots of this issue, while also offering the midwifery model of care as a compassionate, respectful alternative. With warmth and honesty, they remind listeners that birth should be empowering, safe, and free of violence, and they offer hope for healing and change through informed, client-centered care.

Key Takeaways

• Sarah and Charli explain how mistreatment in pregnancy and birth can range from dismissiveness and coercive language to procedures done without consent.
• They discuss why these experiences are so often minimized or normalized.
• The cultural and systemic roots of obstetric violence are explored from their years of midwifery experience.
• They offer the midwifery model of care as a respectful, client-centered alternative and a path toward healing.

If you like what you get here, you'll like our online childbirth education course even more. It's a more detailed look at the stages of labor, how to cope, and what to do along the way to set yourself up for success. It also shows partners what to expect from their point of view and what they can do to support you in labor.