When you’re looking to learn about something as an adult, you probably default to reading a book, or going online and reading articles and the like. If you’re having a baby or recently had one though, reading a book can be tough. You’re likely exhausted and might struggle to focus on it, or perhaps you just don’t have the time since reading can be time-consuming depending on your level. A great alternative to reading if you want to learn more about pregnancy and childbirth is to watch a few TED Talks on the subject. TED Talks are a great way to learn more about a subject in a concise manner from experts on that topic. Here are a few great TED Talks on childbirth and pregnancy worth checking out.
What We Learn Before We’re Born – Annie Paul Murphy
Annie Paul Murphy is an acclaimed science writer whose work includes the book Origins, which explores how the nine months before birth can shape the rest of one’s life. In her TED Talk, she discusses the importance of an environment that’s healthy for both the mother and the baby. Murphy explores the various aspects of fetal origins, which is a complex study that’s still in its early stages. She also talks about what babies learn in their first few months, such as the sound of their mother’s voice and the taste of food. Outside of discussing the scientific side of pregnancy, Murphy also talks about the responsibility that parents have to teach their kids.
Why It Matters How We Are Born – Bettina Breunig
In her TED Talk, Bettina Breunig discusses the importance surrounding how we enter the world through childbirth. Bruenig discusses scheduled births, such as cesarean sections and induction to the idea of scheduling death. The short but powerful talk (only 6 minutes!) she delivers adds to our understanding of why people schedule births and how important it is to have a healthy environment for both the mother and the baby.
Breaking the Silence of Pregnancy Loss – Tanika Dillard
Author and motivational speaker Tanika Dillard talks about her experiences with miscarriages and losing multiple children. She says that she always wanted to be a mother, and when she was eight years old, she had already decided on the names of nine potential children. She and her husband were thrilled when she got pregnant for the first time, and she shared the good news with everyone. Unfortunately, her water broke at only 16 weeks and she lost the baby. Over the next few years, Dillard and her husband conceived several children but lost them all. She tells these stories not because she looks for pity, but because she wants to break the silence on pregnancy loss. This is an inspiring talk that aims to normalize these difficult conversations and instill hope in women who might be afraid of trying to conceive a child.