The mediation of childbirth: ‘Joyful’ birthing and strategies of silencing on a Facebook discussion group

Abstract

The mediation of parenting has recently occupied sociologists and media, communication and cultural studies scholars alike. This article locates itself within this developing strand of research, as it explores discourses of intensive motherhood on a Facebook discussion group that provides support and advice for a specific approach to and philosophy of childbirth. Presenting findings from an analysis of main posts and comments made on them, I tease out the brighter and darker sides of the performance of motherhood in anticipation of birth on social media - reading these against discussions about the self-managing, intensive mother who is responsible for making the very best decisions for her child.