Crushing of newborn piglets by their mothers is a major cause of pre-weaning mortality and suffering, and reducing it requires system design changes rather than simply confining sows.
The crushing problem is often used to justify farrowing crates, but this framing creates a false choice between sow welfare and piglet welfare. Loose farrowing systems with appropriate design — proper nest boxes, anti-crush rails, and bedding that encourages settled farrowing — achieve low crushing rates while allowing sow behavioral expression. The genuine welfare of both sow and piglets can be achieved simultaneously.