What Animal Birth Can Teach Us About Human Birth
I recently reflected on a beautiful article from Midwifery Today titled “Safer Birth in a Barn?” by Beth S. Barbeau. In it, Barbeau shares a powerful moment during a foaling. The caretaker quietly urged, “Don’t let the mare see you; crouch here in the hallway. The stress of seeing strangers at this time could put the foal in danger.”
That simple instruction holds deep wisdom. It points to something we often overlook: how the environment shapes birth. When we look at animal birth facts, it’s clear that animals instinctively seek out privacy, calm, and safe surroundings when giving birth. Their survival and the safe arrival of their babies depend on it.
This moment made me think deeply about the difference between animal and human birth. While we humans share the same need for safety during birth, our modern systems often forget this. A quick comparison of animal and human birth processes reveals how far we’ve moved from natural, supportive settings. Animals are born in darkness, with minimal disturbance. Yet human birth is frequently surrounded by bright lights, strangers, constant monitoring, and interruptions that can disrupt the flow of labor.
As a pregnancy instructor, I often remind mothers-to-be that human birth biology is not so different from that of other mammals. Just like in animals, our bodies are designed to birth best when we feel safe, respected, and undisturbed. The animal birth facts that describe how stress hormones can slow labor or endanger newborns apply to us, too. Yet, in many hospitals, the difference between animal and human birth is often that we override these natural needs in favor of routine procedures or efficiency.
Reflecting on this comparison of animal and human birth processes, I encourage expectant mothers to reclaim that natural wisdom. Create a birth space that mirrors the peaceful conditions of a barn: low lights, trusted faces, soft voices, and freedom to move. Remember that human birth biology still responds to these cues just as it always has.
Beth Barbeau’s story is a powerful reminder that birth, whether in a barn or a hospital room, requires respect for the process. You can read her full article here: Midwifery Today – Safer Birth in a Barn?.
By understanding the lessons in animal birth facts and honoring the comparison of animal and human birth processes, we can create births that are safer, calmer, and more empowering.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfVnFJDjUyQ
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2 thoughts on “Animal vs Human Birth”
How very, very true. It is good to remember that, in terms of birth, we are simply another mammal. The problem is we also have the neocortex, the ‘thinking’ brain and this is the part that causes the trouble through fear. Time and time again I get wonderful birth reports from mothers who have their babies at home, while most mothers will have the phrases ‘what if’ and ‘just in case’ on their lips.
Katharine
Katharine Graves is a hypnobirthing teacher in London
There has actually been research done that supports this but I cannot remember the name of the person. I heard him speak years ago. He has a Phd degree in veterinary medicine, and now is an Obstetrician/ Gynecologist- out of New York City I think.