Impolite Birth: Theatre Voice Training and the Experience of Childbirth

ABSTRACT Little data exists on vocalization during birth. What research does exist supports the notion that vocalizing can be a useful tool to birthing people. Similar to many childbirth courses, theatre-based voice training includes a strong focus on physical release and ease to function as a fruitful foundation for easy vocalization. Additionally, this type of training places specific focus on the use of sound and cultivates the ability to use the voice freely and without inhibition. This study hypothesized that using theatre-based voice techniques during childbirth would reduce the perception of pain during labor and improve women’s sense of autonomy during the experience. To explore this hypothesis, two groups of pregnant people were taught theatre-based voice exercises and researchers collected data on their experiences after their births. Broadly, this study suggests that theatre and voice-based experiences have the potential to improve women’s overall satisfaction with their birth experience and presents an important, cross-disciplinary application to voice work.