Paper long abstract:

The notion of childbirth as a universal biological event which women experience in their reproductive lives has been consistently challenging within the unique socio-cultural context of women, as medical model takes the power and abruptly control the way women expect to own their childbirth journey. Drawing on evocative stories of women living in the remote communities, I discuss how childbirth should be supported to enable women to gain ownership of their experiences.

Based on extensive research undertaken in remote mountainous regions of Nepal, I share lived experiences and evidence for discussion of childbirth in the context of many countries, cultures and communities. Utilising a feminist perspective, I argue in favour of giving voices and power to women so that they can make decisions which are right for them. In doing so, I unpack complexities associated with women’s lives in remote communities and highlight the significance of addressing broader determinants impacting birth outcomes to ensure cultural safety for women, families and societies.

Reflecting on my personal experiences through exploring the wide range of factors influencing women and their childbirth experiences, I introduce a new model for childbirth that policy makers, practitioners, communities, educators, researchers and other professionals including women themselves can use to make childbirth an empowering and safe experiences.