Transition Trash Talk

During spontaneous, natural childbirth, it is not uncommon for women to release tension in transition with transition trash talk. Think about it, labor is hard work! And the transition is usually the most challenging time in labor.

As a birth doula who frequently supports natural births in all settings I get to hear my share of transition trash talk.  I use the client’s words as a way to understand what she is feeling in labor as well as to get a feel for how best to support her.   This works well and as transition is the shortest stage of labor.  Most women successfully navigate the challenges to push their babies out into their hands, earning the right to say ‘I did it!’.

However, when you take her words of context of labor, some of the things we hear are quite humorous!

Examples of transition trash talk:

I can’t do this anymore.

I give up. Cut the baby out of me.

Help me! I feel like I’m being torn into two.

Don’t touch me!

I want to go home.

I want Pitocin. Make this baby get out of me.

OMG, the baby is coming.

I’m sorry I have to poop.  I’m sorry.

*&^%@! curse words.

This is fun! I’m so excited to meet my baby.

You are never touching me again.

The next baby better is coming out of your penis!

You are so never having sex again.

Fuck this.

I’m not kidding anymore you guys.

This is more than I thought it would be.

When they feel another coming “no, no, no, not again”

There was something new in that last one.

I can deal with the pain. I’m just so tired.

When is soon?

Is my baby coming?

I don’t know why I’m doing this.

How much longer?

This transition trash talk definitely makes my work as a doula more memorable!