Is Orgasmic Birth Safe & How Do You Have One?
When it comes to giving birth, the #1 focus is on having a healthy, happy baby. The #2 focus might be trying to stay calm and feel as little pain as possible. It can be anxiety-inducing to not know what birth will look or feel like. Birthing techniques are another critical tool designed to help lessen the fear surrounding childbirth, which can also help you manage pain in the process.
It’s important to remember that birthing techniques are different from your birth plan. A birth plan is a general overview of your preferences during labor. It includes things like where you want to be, what position you want to give birth in, what pain relief you want to use, and who you want to be with you at childbirth. While birth plans serve a key purpose, it’s important to stay flexible with them as things may not always go according to … “the plan”.
Birthing techniques, however, are always there for you. It refers to the tools and coping mechanisms you’ll use to manage the mental and physical experiences of labor. Regardless of what happens at your birth, you can turn to those techniques to help you lower stress, keep focused, and manage pain overall. This can be a powerful form of self-love during birth because it’s you giving your mind and body what it needs at that time. That’s why it’s so important that you find a birthing process or method that works best for you.
That's where the concept of orgasmic birth comes in. Orgasmic birth – or a birthgasm – is described as a natural and empowering way of delivering a baby that focuses on the positive sensations of childbirth, rather than the pain and discomfort. In recent months, it’s become a trending topic on social media and it’s got everyone talking.
We’re taking a look at the benefits of orgasmic birth and providing some tips for achieving this experience. We’ve also shared some info on different birthing techniques you might be interested in!
What is Orgasmic Birth?
Orgasmic birth is a term coined by midwife and childbirth educator, Elizabeth Davis, in her book, Orgasmic Birth: Your Guide to a Safe, Satisfying and Pleasurable Birth Experience.
This approach to childbirth focuses on creating a positive and enjoyable experience for both mother and baby, rather than viewing childbirth as a painful and traumatic event. Orgasmic birth involves creating a supportive and safe environment, using relaxation techniques, and allowing the body to naturally progress through the different stages of labor.
The benefits of Orgasmic Birth
Orgasmic birth & reduced pain
First, let’s talk about pain. Your brain is responsible for the intensity of your pain experience, not your body. There are pain receptors throughout the body, and when they are stimulated they send signals to the brain to say “hey, something weird is going on, pay attention to this part of the body”. It’s then your brain’s job to process how serious that pain (threat to your body) is and then send signals to your muscles and other systems to react accordingly. Your brain is constantly sifting through all of these signals, and prioritizing what needs to be dealt with first, and that can lead to subdued pain or heightened pain based on how your brain processes everything.
When women are in a relaxed state, their bodies produce fewer stress hormones, which can help to reduce pain during labor; it’s not that it gets rid of the pain, it’s about getting into a state of mind that helps you process it differently. If you’re hoping to have a natural birth without the assistance of pain medication, using relaxation techniques and birthing methods might be able to help you better manage pain, and feel less impacted by it.
Additionally, if you achieve an orgasm, the release of endorphins can provide natural pain relief. Research has long shown that orgasm can increase pain tolerance. Studies also show that oxytocin — a hormone that peaks during both orgasm and childbirth — is a pain reliever and increases pain tolerance.
A 2016 study shows orgasms could help lessen pain during childbirth as well.
Orgasmic birth & stress reduction
Using a birth technique to promote feelings of pleasure and relaxation during childbirth can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Orgasmic birth & reduced chance of traumatic birth
Research suggests that making choices around your birth experience can lessen your chances of having a traumatic birth experience.
Drawbacks of Orgasmic Birth
There are no specific risks or drawbacks associated with orgasmic birth, but think of it like a birth plan; they don’t always turn out how you want them to. If you’re not able to achieve orgasmic birth, it can become an added pressure during labor or even make you feel like you’ve failed at something.
Tips for Achieving an Orgasmic Birth
Find a supportive birth team: Surround yourself with people who support your desire for an orgasmic birth, including your partner, your midwife or doula, and your healthcare provider.
Create a relaxing environment: Dim the lights, play calming music, and use aromatherapy to create a calming and relaxing environment for labor.
Use relaxation techniques: Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, and meditation can help to keep your body in a relaxed state during labor.
Focus on pleasure: Rather than focusing on the pain of contractions, focus on the positive sensations of childbirth, including the pleasure and excitement of meeting your baby.
Trust your body: Your body is designed to give birth, and it knows what to do. Trust in the natural progression of labor and allow your body to do what it needs to do.
Other birthing techniques
Hypnobirthing
Hypnobirthing is a practice designed to help ease anxiety and manage pain by using relaxation techniques like controlled breathing, visualizations, and yes, hypnosis. It’s actually a form of ‘self-hypnosis’ that is very similar to meditation, as it’s done by entering a relaxed state and thinking of a specific goal. The main belief is that if the body is relaxed and at ease, the awareness of pain can be reduced, and the experience of pain can be lowered as anxiety and fear are released.
Lamaze
Lamaze classes have been around for quite some time, and they help couples increase confidence in the birthing process. They utilize breathing exercises, massage, and other techniques to help manage pain naturally.
The Bradley Method
Another birthing technique called the Bradley Method is used alongside a doula, or labor coach, to provide support and assist in relaxation techniques during labor. When compared to hypnobirthing, this study found that it may be more comprehensive as it supports pregnancy and childbirth, following through to postpartum.
Hypnobabies
Hypnobabies is a technique often grouped with hypnobirthing, but it is technically a different approach. While many of the tenets of hypnobirthing are used, this 18-hour course also includes more support for the prenatal and postpartum periods and does actively discuss the pain of labor and coping skills to manage it.
Head to the Baby2Body app & ask your personal AI wellness coach about birthing techniques and which approach will work best for you!
Have a question about orgasmic birth or other birthing techniques? Leave it in the comments!
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