Setting the Stage for Natural Childbirth

We are mammals and like all other mammals our bodies are designed to give birth. It is a natural physiological process. That said, it is important to create an environment that supports the process- an environment in which the body feels safe and is able to produce the birth hormones needed for a physiological birth.
There is a strong parallel between the optimal environmental conditions for making love and those necessary for giving birth naturally. Consider the environmental conditions most desired when making love-a warm, dimly lit, safe and private space. Well, the optimal environment for giving birth is very similar. Unfortunately, the birthing conditions often encountered are diametrically opposed to this ideal. Therefore, it is important to purposefully create an optimal environment and/or mitigate any unnecessary disturbances. How?

• Choose an environment where you feel safe, supported and uninhibited.
• Ensure that the temperature of the room is comfortable.
• Keep the lighting dim-consider lighting some candles.
• Keep distracting noises to a minimum- consider playing soft, relaxing music.
• Keep visitors to a minimum​

As a birth doula, when I first arrive at a birth I ensure that all those elements are in place. The goal is to create an environment to support an undisturbed birth. When that is taken care of, studies show that the birth process moves more quickly and a woman’s body is better able to produce the birth hormones needed for a safe physiological birth.
* Take a few minutes to watch the very entertaining video below.

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