There are millions of childbirth videos on YouTube. Have you watched any?
It seems everyone wants to share something nowadays. A New York Times article on the trend of women sharing their childbirth videos observes how YouTube offers a unique opportunity for people to view such videos for both scientific and educational purposes. Interestingly, some of the videos contain the screaming, sweating, cursing, and gory details common in delivery rooms. The evolving technology use helps demystify some complex issues. In spite of the increased technological utility, childbirth videos on YouTube remains a controversial topic. For some, childbirth is both personal and intimate while for others like Sarah Griffith, quoted in the New York Times article, “childbirth is beautiful, and she’s not a private person.” Besides, childbirth is a celebrated milestone with its highs and lows, and its controversial intersection with technology raises the question of whether to post or not but that shouldn’t take away the joy of childbirth.
The gospel according to Luke says, “And the angel said unto them, “Fear not: for, behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” (Luke 2:7).
Bible stories illustrate childbirth as a great source of happiness. The scripture describes the fear among shepherds when an angel appeared to them bearing news of Christ’s birth. Hannah offered sacrifices for years trusting God to bless her with a child. When God finally blessed Hannah with a son, named Samuel, she marked the milestone by dedicating her son to God’s work all his life. On the other hand, child loss is a source of great pain and suffering.
In the book of Samuel, King David is quoted “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept … but now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.” (2 Samuel 12: 22 – 25). The verse captures King David’s feelings, a man described after God’s own heart, following the death of his first son with Bathsheba. It highlights the desolation and pain of child loss. God’s grace locates everyone who has endured the devastating pain of child loss. It’s unimaginable and a painful loss to bear.
Today, people hold baby showers, gender reveal parties, birthdays and other special ceremonies to celebrate the joys of childbirth. Come to think of it, you’ve probably attended or held such events. They are accepted. Uncontroversial.
YouTube restricts the uploading of sexual content, but childbirth videos are classified as educational, documentaries, and scientific. “It really doesn’t bother me that men on my street may have seen me naked and giving birth,” said one woman interviewed by Mail Online. “I’ve always thought of breasts as things to feed babies with rather than anything sexual.” Such views help bring together both genders in conversations often perceived for women. Sharing childbirth videos disseminates information, showcases the realities of childbirth, and creates a sense of belonging. One mother interviewed by the Mail Online article says she started filming her pregnancy and childbirth videos after a miscarriage. She found support in the online community by interacting with people undergoing or facing similar anxieties and fears. The videos are educational and teach about complex issues of pregnancy, which can be discussed with healthcare providers and support systems. Some opposing voices to filming childbirth videos say it’s exposing women to ridicule at a vulnerable time and erodes the dignity of the depicted women.
Ultimately, the decision to post or not is deeply personal, as is the decision to consume such content or not. However, such decisions should not affect the joys of childbirth. As time passes, society has to find ways to define its interaction with technology but ultimately, keep cherishing those little but significant moments such as childbirth, in whatever way you can. To post or not…?
Children are a blessing.
Image source: Megan Acuna Youtube
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