Natural Physiological Birth Summary
Please keep in mind while reading: AKRON DOULAS™ support ALL birthing desires of the families we have the opportunity to serve and the birthing environments they choose to welcome their babies in.
Natural physiological birth is the involuntary process which takes place when neurochemicals and hormones are released, enabling a female mammal to give birth to a baby and its placenta.
Physiological birth is directed from within the limbic system of the brain and body in response to and in collaboration with the endocrine system of the baby and placenta. Sounds complex right? It absolutely is, the most complex yet simple process!
The mother’s neocortex or the “new brain” is the compartment of the brain that stores information on how to operate a computer, drive a car, and spell our names. As human mammals we are capable of doing these basic, every day tasks because of our well trained neocortex. While the neocortex is smoother in those of smaller mammals, it has deep grooves (sulci) and wrinkles (gyri) in primates and several other mammals. These folds increase the area of the neocortex considerably. It is estimated that the neocortex makes up a little over three fourths of a human brain.
During labor and birth, the neocortex becomes suppressed, or in an “at rest” state, which allows the primitive brain structure to release hormones that enables the birth process to take place. You will hear many birth professionals describe this as the “intuitive knowledge” of the mother. Using this intuitive knowledge, she is able to surrender and very simply allow birth to just, happen. The main hormone being released is undoubtedly oxytocin, others included in the release are prolactin, endorphins, vasopressin. These hormones make up what is often referred to as the "cocktail of love hormones." The hormones not only serve the purpose of contracting the uterus to have the baby, but the release also has an affect on the behavior of the mother.
Giving birth can become a function of our bodies like sleeping or breathing – a natural thing our body just does. If we allow it. French Obstetrician Michel Odent, MD says frequently that once upon a time when women relayed solely on the “cocktail of love hormones,” they were “obliged to give birth.” An experienced U.S. Midwife named Ina May Gaskin tells us "We are the only species of mammal that can doubt its capacity to give birth." Gaskin also mentions, in the video linked here that "We learn things from old cultures, cultures that have never really succumbed, to the fear [of childbirth]" Many people are unaware that the highest peak of oxytocin released during birth will be the biggest of the mother’s entire lifetime. Many are also unaware that this monumental release of oxytocin is not from solely from the birth itself, but also from birth of the placenta, after the baby is born.
Working with modern parents I have become a firm believer that in order to feel confident and adequately prepared to surrender to the physiological birth process, the mother’s well trained neocortex first needs all the information upfront. She needs to be relieved of any fears surrounding her birth experience and time to process the honest information she is given. In almost all cases modern parents need to unlearn things and see birth for the complex yet simple bodily function it is. Knowing what to anticipate can fill a mother-to-be with much confidence, I feel it impacts her ability to allow her primitive instincts to take over when planning a true natural childbirth.
Whether you have decided on a completely natural physiological birth, medicated or planned induction or cesarean we are here to educate and support you on your journey. Our vision is to empower parents-to-be to know that with every decision should come options. AKRON DOULAS™ offer childbirth education tailored to your specific birth preferences, available in a private setting.
Do you have a specific birth/breastfeeding/parenting related topic you’d like more information on? Email us at: AkronDoulas@gmail.com and we’ll consider your topic for an upcoming blog post! As always thank you for your time, Sara Avalos
Comments