The Unforgettable Power of Birth: How Your Experience Shapes You for Life
Photo Credit: Erin Heuser Photography
Have you ever noticed how, no matter how many years have passed, women remember their birth stories? Whether it’s your mom, aunt, or grandma, there’s something unforgettable about bringing a baby into the world. Even if the details get hazy over time—because let’s be real, “labor land” is a real place we go—what stays with us is how we felt. Were we supported? Loved? Heard?
Birth is a powerful event, one that goes beyond simply welcoming a baby. It can forever change a woman mentally, emotionally, physically, and socially. Studies have shown that a woman’s brain literally rewires during pregnancy and postpartum, enhancing empathy, responsiveness, and bonding with her baby. But the intensity of birth can also leave deep impressions, whether positive or traumatic, and can shape her sense of self and her confidence in motherhood.
A positive, empowering birth experience can build a foundation of confidence, allowing a mother to step into this new chapter with strength and joy. But for some, birth can be challenging, even traumatic. A recent survey found that 1 in 3 women reports experiencing trauma during childbirth, often due to a lack of support, unexpected medical interventions, or feeling dismissed. And for about 9% of new mothers, this trauma can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after birth, often tied to experiences where they felt powerless or unheard.
The effects of a difficult birth can ripple through every aspect of life. Emotionally, it can leave scars that make it hard to bond with a baby. Mentally, it can contribute to postpartum depression, which affects around 1 in 7 new mothers. Physically, birth leaves its mark as a woman’s body recovers, often needing time, care, and rest to heal. Socially, the shift can feel isolating, as a mother’s sense of identity changes, and she seeks to find her footing in a new role.
As doulas, Kahla and I at the Beloved Birth & Beyond Collective have witnessed the transformative power of a supported birth. When a mother feels seen, respected, and valued, she often emerges with a new sense of strength and pride. Studies show that mothers who feel respected during childbirth are far more likely to remember their experience positively, even if unexpected challenges arise. Compassionate, continuous support lowers stress levels, which not only leads to smoother labor but leaves a lasting impression on the mother’s heart and mind.
My own positive birth experience was so profound that it led me to leave a comfortable corporate job to become a doula. The joy and strength I discovered through birth made me want to help other women experience the same. Birth can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, every woman has a much better chance to feel respected, empowered, and capable.
This commitment is the heartbeat of our mission at Beloved Birth & Beyond. We’re here not only to offer physical support but also to honor each woman’s values, voice, and vision for her birth experience. We believe that every mother should step into motherhood with empowerment, knowing she was supported in a way that allows her to be the mom she was created to be.
