This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Why are so many births traumatic for the mother? Kate Dimpfl argues that understanding the sexual nature of birth is key.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxCortland, where x = independently organized TED event.

Kate Dimpfl is a professional doula, birth counselor, educator, and owner of Holistic Childbirth. She tumbled into birth work when she was pregnant with her son nine years ago. In her pregnancy she felt frustrated with the lack of education and support for new families, and decided to help fill these needs in the community. Kate left her work with a health care non-profit to train with Doulas of North America (DONA) and Childbirth Education Association of Metropolitan New York and has been talking about “what’s not talked about” ever since. She spends much of her time reframing and unpacking myths about childbirth, as she helps expectant parents feel comfortable and confident in their bodies’ capability to birth. Her goal is not to idealize one type of birth, but to engage parents with their sexual health, prenatal care, and education, so that they are able to navigate and feel satisfied with any type of birth. Kate has been featured on The Katie Show and lectures frequently at Cornell University. In addition to her business, she also co-coordinates the Ithaca Childbearing Loss Network, is a member of the Ithaca Doula Collective, and serves on the board of the Ithaca Children’s Garden and BirthNet of the Finger Lakes. To learn more about Kate or Holistic Childbirth visit: www.holisticchildbirth.org

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)