Since 500 BC, patriarchal systems across the globe have effectively reduced female bodies to property. As mentioned in my previous articles, the introduction of Judaism and other patriarchal religious values reinforced this control.
For example, centuries later, men were able to dictate what position they felt would be most comfortable to view their women painfully giving birth. Most appalling is that, to this day, this position has not been changed. Giving birth lying down is one of the worst positions to assume when in labour because it completely counteracts the very helpful, naturally-occurring force of gravity. For thousands of centuries, women worked in tandem with gravity, giving birth in an upright position. They would usually be squatting, kneeling, or sitting on what was called a birthing stool which increased efficiency and reduced fatigue. The switch in positions was originally adopted for the viewing pleasure of men, specifically King Louis XIV. According to historical accounts, when one of his mistresses was giving birth, Louis reportedly insisted on watching and complained that the traditional upright position was inconvenient. To get a better view, he ordered her to lie on her back and insisted on having male birth attendants present. Scholars agree that King Louis XIV’s reign over France and subsequent power over Europe would later expand into empires shaping much of the customs and traditions we use today. Thus, it can be concluded that the general populace at the time was influenced by his reign and customs therefore adopting his bizarre obsession with watching a painful labour unfold in a room filled with male doctors.
European physicians only began advocating for the supine position by the seventeenth century, after King Louis XIV’s preference was publicly broadcasted. In an effort to win ongoing rivalries between midwives and physicians, the male-dominated industry of obstetricians reframed the public’s perception of pregnancy in a way that would compel women to want them present during their labour process. What was once viewed as a woman’s superpower and connection with the almighty creator was now associated with disease.
Obstetricians and physicians were able to reframe the narrative in such a pivotal manner that societies began associating pregnancy as an illness rather than a holy power. The leading obstetrician at this period in time was Francois Mauriceau, notably known for writing a highly influential book on women’s medicine titled The Diseases of Women With Child and In Child Bed. The book is one of the very first in medical history that associates pregnancy with disease, stating that “the proper term for pregnancy is a tumour of the belly, caused by the baby.” As a result of this shift in perception, midwives were effectively eliminated from the entire labour process at the time — further promoting both the need for physicians and the supine position. Evidently, Francois Mariceau,like much of Europe at the time, was heavily influenced by King Louis XIV with further research revealing that Mariceau was actually King Louis’ doctor. Records reveal that when King Louis’ mistress was giving birth in 1663, he asked Mariceau to lie her on her back so he could view the birth to which he complied. Five years later, his book was released, recommending this exact birth position.
Over time it became the standard in Europe, despite the fact that it has been repeatedly proven to be an inefficient position for childbirth. In fact, research shows that despite the publication of countless medical research supporting upright birthing, change in medical institutions today is slow due to their lack of updated guidelines and policies. A study conducted by the National Library of Medicine in the US reveals that squatting in labour can significantly reduce its duration along with the likelihood of requiring any emergency medical or instrumental assistance by 25 percent. Additionally, squatting has also been proven to enhance pelvic dimensions by 28 to 30 percent, therefore facilitating a smoother birthing process and significantly reducing the risk of vaginal tearing. Corroborating these statistics are studies that link the supine position to longer labour durations and an increased need for instrumental interventions or emergency medical assistance.
Much like many other aspects of society, the personal preferences of a powerful man have shaped societal norms in ways that continue to affect women today. Moving forward, it is crucial for everyone to be aware of this critical chapter of women’s history. On the bright side, recent statistics show that many hospitals are updating their training protocols by offering people giving birth greater autonomy in choosing comfortable birthing positions. As we reveal the truth in women’s history, we may see a stronger movement toward evidence-based, labour-friendly birthing practices in the future.
