Birth - Supporting the process
Birth is an instinctual & primal activity. The part of the brain that controls birth is the same part that controls sex drive and sleep. When we consider those things, and what we need in order support both of those processes, it helps to give us some clues as to how we can best support the process of birth.
Things that you can do to support the process include:
• Take pressure off the birthing person
• Give them some privacy
• Water immersion - bath or shower
• Offer loving support
• Be present;
• Spend some time in the toilet (small enclosed place, private)
• Deep relaxation // hypnosis
• Not unnecessarily engaging the birthing person in conversation
• Dimly lit environment
• Reducing distractions in the birth space
• Ensuring the birthing person is warm, hydrated & nourished
• Cool face-washers on forehead and around neck
• Nipple or clitoral stimulation (increase oxytocin release)
• Encourage them to trust their instincts with movement & positioning
• Supporting them to rest when needed
• Light touch, acupressure, progressive relaxation
When you feel safe & supported in your birthing environment it goes a long way in supporting the cocktail of birthing hormones to flow.
Here are some resources you might find helpful in exploring and understanding labour physiology:
Labour Physiology - A quick overview of the transformation of the uterus and cervix during labour.
Your Hormones are Your Helpers by Dr Sarah Buckley
Hormonal Physiology of Childbearing by Dr Sarah Buckley (this is a very comprehensive report)
The Effective Labour Contraction - Dr Rachel Reed
If this is something that interests you and you’d like to learn more about supporting the physiological functions of the body during birth, expand on your toolkit for managing the intensity of labour and build your confidence so that you and your birth partner can both play an active role in your birth experience — the Hypnobirthing Australia Positive Birth Course might be a good fit for you.
