TikTok’s birthing revolution

A few weeks ago, at a routine 28-week appointment in the midwife clinic at the public hospital where I work, I asked a first-time mum what she wanted to know about the upcoming labour and birth of her baby boy.

I’ve been a midwife for five years, and like most, I was ready to make time for a good chat about childbirth education. Public hospital antenatal clinics are busy places and individualised care is rare, so I try to start these conversations early to understand each woman’s wishes, preferences and values, and how these might shape the experience they want.

I’ve always felt that being a midwife means being a guide through the ups and downs of pregnancy, labour and postpartum. A shoulder to lean on, a hand to squeeze. I often want to stay with women and their families long after my paid shift ends. So I was surprised, and slightly tickled, when this first-time mum replied, “I’m good, I don’t have any questions. I got everything I need to know off TikTok.”

Confused, I asked, “Are you sure? There’s nothing else you want to discuss today?” She shook her head firmly. Nope. She had nothing else to ask.

The interaction stayed with me. Throughout pregnancy, women in the public system are seen by qualified and knowledgeable midwives for free, and yet some are still searching for more.