Common Birth Myths Debunked: Addressing Misconceptions About Labour and Delivery

Myth 1: You have to give birth lying on your back.

Reality:
This position became common in modern hospitals—but it’s not always ideal. Lying flat can actually narrow the pelvic space and make it harder for the baby to move down. Upright or forward-leaning positions (like squatting, kneeling, or using a birth ball) allow gravity to assist, ease discomfort, and may shorten labor. You have the right to move, to choose what feels good, and to listen to your body.

Myth 2: Labor is always excruciating and terrifying.

Reality:
Labor is intense—but it’s not always what you’ve seen on TV. With the right preparation, mindset, and support, many women describe their births as powerful and transformative. The sensations are purposeful. You are not broken—you are birthing. With breathing techniques, movement, water, affirmations, and continuous support, you can manage labor in a way that feels right for you.

Myth 3: Once you pass your due date, you must be induced.

Reality:
Due dates are just estimates. Babies aren't timers; they’re individuals. While some medical situations require induction, not all do. It's important to have open conversations with your care provider about your baby’s well-being, your body’s signals, and your preferences. In many cases, waiting a few extra days (with monitoring) is perfectly safe.

Myth 4: A cesaerean birth is the “easy way out.”

Reality:
Let’s be honest—there is nothing easy about surgery. A cesarean is major abdominal surgery with physical and emotional recovery. Whether your C-section was planned or unplanned, you gave birth. You made brave choices. You welcomed your baby with strength. Your experience is valid, and you deserve support and respect, not judgment.

Myth 5: A birth plan is useless because birth is unpredictable.

Reality:
Yes, birth can be unpredictable—but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare. A birth plan isn’t about controlling every detail; it’s about understanding your options, exploring your values, and communicating clearly with your care team. Even if things change, having a plan helps you stay involved and empowered in the decision-making process.

Myth 6: You have to say yes to everything your doctor suggests.

Reality:
You have the right to ask questions, request alternatives, and even say no. Your doctor is there to guide you—but you’re the one giving birth. You can pause, take a breath, and make informed decisions. Consent is not a formality—it’s a conversation. You always have choices, and they deserve to be respected.

Myth 7: If you have a doula, your partner will feel left out.

Reality:
Actually, the opposite is true. As a doula, I support both of you. I help your partner feel more confident, included, and capable. I gently guide, reassure, and offer suggestions so they can support you in a way that feels natural and connected. Birth is not just about the baby—it’s about the experience for the whole family.

Final Thoughts from Doula Jannah

There’s no one “right” way to give birth—only what’s right for you.
But when we believe in outdated myths, we start to doubt ourselves. We hand over our power. And that’s what I want to help you reclaim.

By replacing fear with facts and myths with mindful choices, you can approach your birth with clarity, courage, and calm. Whether you're planning a natural birth or an epidural, or you're simply exploring your options—you deserve to feel supported, respected, and in control.

If you ever feel overwhelmed, know this:
You are not alone. I’m here to walk this journey with you—one breath, one decision, one beautiful birth at a time.

Childbirth is one of the most natural and life-changing experiences a woman can go through. Yet, it’s also surrounded by a fog of outdated beliefs, media-fueled fears, and half-truths that get passed around like fact.

As a doula who’s supported families in hospitals around Singapore since 2012, I’ve seen firsthand how these myths can shape a mother’s mindset—for better or for worse. That’s why I’m passionate about sharing the truth: evidence-based, woman-centered, and empowering.

Let’s clear the air and give you back the confidence to birth your way.