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An interview with Jonathan Witt on 5fm which involved the doctor describe with graphic (over-the-top) language and sound effects the process of childbirth has provoked a fiery Twitter debate after another doctor, Karen Milford wrote an impassioned response to the interview on Medium.com.
Gruesome
Milford describes the original interview which took place on Gareth Cliff’s show as entertainment during the run-up to the Royal birth as perpetuating the stigma that childbirth is a “disgusting” process. To quote Milford, “His several-second slot was broadcast to a background track of women shrieking, gagging noises, and the sound of toilets flushing. He proceeded to quickly describe the various stages of labour in the most gruesome way possible”.
Beautiful and natural
She insists that while childbirth is messy, it’s a beautiful and natural process, rather than the revolting horror so graphically described by Witt. In addition, she suggests that expectant moms should find a doctor or midwife who will provide more helpful information rather than be put off the experience of natural birth.
Witt, in response, said that Milford’s "personal attack" was uncalled for on the social network:
@Jonathan_Witt: You can't please everyone and doctors tend to have strong opinions. The personal attack by @karenmilford however is uncalled for.
@karenmilford: Hey @Jonathan_Witt, here's why I thought your piece on birth on @5FM was an abomination. “Making birth disgusting”.
Other commentators suggested that Witt’s interview was merely meant to be humorous, while some were offended that a doctor could be so dismissive about birth.
According to accounts on Parent24, some women opt for Caesarean birth in order to avoid the “mess” of natural birth, while others are proud of being able to participate in what they say is one of life’s most awesome experiences.
Here are some of our videos so you can decide for yourself:
Natural birth videos
Birth galleries and videos
What do you think? Is childbirth “disgusting”?
An interview with Jonathan Witt on 5fm which involved the doctor describe with graphic (over-the-top) language and sound effects the process of childbirth has provoked a fiery Twitter debate after another doctor, Karen Milford wrote an impassioned response to the interview on Medium.com.
Gruesome
Milford describes the original interview which took place on Gareth Cliff’s show as entertainment during the run-up to the Royal birth as perpetuating the stigma that childbirth is a “disgusting” process. To quote Milford, “His several-second slot was broadcast to a background track of women shrieking, gagging noises, and the sound of toilets flushing. He proceeded to quickly describe the various stages of labour in the most gruesome way possible”.
Beautiful and natural
She insists that while childbirth is messy, it’s a beautiful and natural process, rather than the revolting horror so graphically described by Witt. In addition, she suggests that expectant moms should find a doctor or midwife who will provide more helpful information rather than be put off the experience of natural birth.
Witt, in response, said that Milford’s "personal attack" was uncalled for on the social network:
@Jonathan_Witt: You can't please everyone and doctors tend to have strong opinions. The personal attack by @karenmilford however is uncalled for.
@karenmilford: Hey @Jonathan_Witt, here's why I thought your piece on birth on @5FM was an abomination. “Making birth disgusting”.
Other commentators suggested that Witt’s interview was merely meant to be humorous, while some were offended that a doctor could be so dismissive about birth.
According to accounts on Parent24, some women opt for Caesarean birth in order to avoid the “mess” of natural birth, while others are proud of being able to participate in what they say is one of life’s most awesome experiences.
Here are some of our videos so you can decide for yourself:
Natural birth videos
Birth galleries and videos
What do you think? Is childbirth “disgusting”?
