Mother’s column: From flight shame to birth shame

19-02-2022

Christian Life

Neline, CNE.news

Flying is controversial nowadays, from an environmental point of view. Should the same apply to getting children? Photo ANP, Koen van Weel

I routinely switch on the news radio as I drive down the street. I fall into the middle of a conversation. I hear the presenter ask her studio guest, “Did you suffer from birth shame?” I frown. Embarrassment of giving birth? Is that what you feel during labour? When you no longer have the energy to pretend to be nicer than you are and that the midwife is right there with you?