“We need our own #MeToo”: A critical discourse analysis of women’s online birth stories

This study investigates how women discursively construct their childbirth experiences in online forums, particularly in relation to obstetric violence. By analyzing 2,618 comments from the Mumsnet platform, the research explores the linguistic strategies women use to narrate their experiences, including direct speech, sensory details, and rhetorical devices. Using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis framework within a Social Media Critical Discourse Studies (SM-CDS) approach, the study identifies four key themes. The findings reveal that online narratives, often structured as micro-narratives, provide a space for sense-making, emotional validation, and solidarity-building. Additionally, the study highlights the role of social media in amplifying women’s voices, with the hashtag #MeToo emerging as a linguistic marker that connects childbirth experiences to broader discussions of gender-based violence. Ultimately, the research underscores the need for systemic reforms in maternity care, emphasizing respectful treatment, informed consent, and gender-sensitive practices.