Nuanced Over Dualistic Thinking for Birth and Beyond

Birth is complex and dynamic, and I love the journey metaphor because of this. There are many different paths to take, and it’s not uncommon to deviate from the plan in the moment. Decision-making will be required of us along the way that will ultimately shape the experience. Often, we approach these choices as binary or mutually exclusive.

But most decisions (in birth and life, in general) aren’t so black and white. Therefore, dualistic thinking is too limiting. I want you to embrace nuance. This is a critical mindset shift.

Dualistic Thinking

Dualistic thinking is too rigid for birth and for our complex world. It contracts our decision-making and our reality into:

• black/ white
• either/ or
• good/ bad
• right/ wrong
• always/ never

Dualistic thinking causes us to be more judgmental and blind to what’s possible.

Examples of Dualistic Thinking

• Viewing a birth as either “natural” or not
• Thinking about induction based on due date as a simple yes or no decision
• Viewing breastfeeding or chest feeding as the superior option for all people in all circumstances

Nuanced Thinking

Nuanced thinking is multifaceted, expansive, and:

• Acknowledges complexity
• Embraces gray areas
• Considers multiple perspectives
• Takes context into account
• Evaluates trade-offs
• Analyzes critically
• Adapts when new information presented or circumstances change

Examples of Nuanced Thinking

• Birth is a physiologic process. Strategies and techniques can help us manage pain and facilitate progress. There are also medical interventions that we can choose to use or not use, based on a variety of factors. Birth truly consists of many decisions, some simple and some complex. Some are made in advance, while others are made in the moment. And, even when medical interventions are needed, we can still work to support birth physiology whenever possible.
• Certain risks decrease as you approach your due date, then increase as you get farther away from it. How long are you comfortable letting pregnancy go? At what point would you decide on a medical induction, if necessary? 41 weeks? 42 weeks? 43 weeks? Are there any other factors that play into this decision? It can be helpful to explore your thoughts on this advance.
• There are many options for feeding a baby, like breastfeeding or chestfeeding, pumping, formula, etc. While breastfeeding or chestfeeding has many benefits and is considered the biological norm, this decision is filled with additional complexities that vary from person to person. And these complexities can include barriers that are beyond your control,

Embracing nuanced thinking for birth and beyond empowers you to make informed decisions that align with your unique circumstances and preferences. And, as birth (and postpartum and parenting), is unpredictable, it leaves space to adapt if plans need to change.

Understanding that situations are nuanced can help you feel more confident in your decisions. It’s ok if what you choose is different than what someone else might choose, because your situations are not the same. There is no “one way”. It also provides ownership over your experience, regardless of how it unfolds.

Navigate the Complexities by Embracing Nuance

Embracing nuanced thinking during pregnancy and birth allows expectant parents to navigate the complexities of decision-making with greater flexibility and compassion. By moving away from dualistic views, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities, accepting that birth experiences vary and choices should be made with care and consideration. Ultimately, nuanced thinking empowers us to make better-informed decisions and feel more at ease with the unpredictable reality of how birth unfolds. It's about embracing the gray areas and recognizing that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to birth (and beyond)!