At Indie Birth, we’re all about celebrating the innate power and wisdom of women, and that means questioning the disempowering language that has permeated our birthing culture. I’m going to talk for a minute about rejecting a phrase that midwives use all the time.

“My care” — “In my care” — “Came into care”

The way this usually looks is a midwife will say “this mama came into my care at 30 weeks”. Or “she started care with me at…”. One could argue that it is sort of sweet, and shows that midwives provide care. And you might think I’m getting really nit picky here. BUT in the medical world, they also have co-opted this word, as seen with terms like “care provider” and “care models”. It doesn’t mean warm, fuzzy, loving care. It means “under my management and direction”.

We know that language shapes our reality. Words have the power to either limit or liberate, and as midwives, we’re committed to igniting a language revolution that empowers women. 

This phrase “my care” perpetuates a hierarchical dynamic, where the midwife holds all the cards and the birthing woman becomes a passive recipient of this “care”. It centers the midwife and her approach, rather than the woman’s needs and wants. 

By ditching the phrase “in my care,” we instead are saying, “You are the author of your journey, and we are your compassionate guides.” Our role as midwives is to provide evidence-based information, compassionate guidance, and unwavering support while honoring womens’ autonomous decisions. Your voice, your choices—this is your birthright.

We believe in the power of partnership, collaboration, and shared responsibility. So, let’s rewrite the script! Simple things like getting rid of the phrase “in my care” show that we stand beside the women we serve, not above them. Our role is to nurture trust, foster open communication, and create an environment where women are seen, heard, and respected as an equal participant in their birth journeys. Together, we dance on the sacred ground of equality.

Instead of being “in our care,” you become our fierce co-creator. 

Let’s ignite the fire within, challenge the status quo, and celebrate the birthing woman as the heroine of her own narrative. If you’re ready to step into this type of midwifery, thoughtful, radical, and world changing, then you can apply to the Indie Birth Midwifery School or go learn more here.