understanding physiological birth: how it can set you up for a calm birth

Physiology is the study of the NORMAL functions of living organisms. Physiological birth refers to the natural pattern and variations of labor and birth that occur outside the scope of modern medicine. Physiological birth can be further defined as the spontaneous onset of labor and includes the conditions that promote effective labor.

Internal and external conditions are the main focus of our discussion about physiological birth today. Your body naturally and instinctively progresses through labor, but there are things you can do to prep your environment and body that add to this innate ability. Continuous companionship, individual care, and the mind-body connection play a major role in keeping birth physiological instead of pathological.

physiological birth: a main principle in hypnobirthing

Hypnobirthing and many methods for childbirth outside of modern medicine believe that our bodies are designed to give birth. Women have been bringing life into this world since our existence. There can be special circumstances that arise which indicate the use of medicine, but these are exceptions to the normal physiological path of birthing.

Our bodies and our baby’s bodies have evolved to continue our species. Some correlate directly to birth, whereas other forms, help us to survive and reproduce.

bodies designed for birth

Think about the female body. From the moment we have our first menstruation to our last, our bodies are in constant fluctuations to plan, prep, or have a baby. Our hips, breasts, reproductive organs, and hormones all play a role in making this possible.

• Hormones:

  • Oxytocin- helps us bond with our babies, induces labor, and gives feelings of love

  • Endorphins- released with movement and along with oxytocin giving us feelings of love, energy, and natural pain relief

  • Relaxin- a hormone that softens ligaments, allows for stretching and movement of joints in the pelvis, hips, and spine to accommodate pregnancy, labor, and birth

  • Adrenaline- refreshes your energy, prepares your body for intense activity by sending more blood and oxygen to vital organs

• Hips- wide set hips that can expand and close with movements

• Internal organs- your digestive track, bladder, and other internal organs rearrange and are flexible as your uterus expands into their original space

• Breasts- transform throughout pregnancy to provide life-giving milk, nipple stimulation can release oxytocin to induce labor

Your Baby’s adaptations for birth

Our baby’s bodies have evolved for optimal birth as well. Fontanelles, the soft spots on baby’s heads, allow their skulls to shift and change shape to fit through the birth canal. As they twist and turn to enter the world, their heads and neck bend and shift instinctively in navigation. There are so many naturally occurring reactions, movements, and positions to cover them all in this post.

There is no conclusive evidence on why labor starts when it does. Some hypothesize that it is your baby that determines when labor begins; it is suggested that their dwindling space in the womb begins to put pressure on their body releasing chemicals that tell mom’s body to evict baby. This potential function is another adaption that allows babies to grow to the optimal size for surviving outside the womb, but also safely being born.

Know that your baby knows how to be born just like your body knows how to give birth.

• Natural Expulsion Reflex (NER):

  • Tucks chin in so the smallest portion of their head enters the birth canal first

  • Legs extend to help push them out of the uterus

• Fontanelles- change the shape of your baby’s skull in order to fit through the birth canal

• Umbilical cord connections- your babies umbilical cord continues to nourish and provide oxygen for their growing body until the moment it is cut and the placenta has detached from the uterus

Physiological birth and your environment: undisturbed and uninterrupted

Physiological birth will be successful with feelings of safety, finding rhythms, and focus. This can be hard to do with constant monitoring, hospital staff coming in and out of doors every twenty minutes, and the use of medications that alter your natural course of action.

Look to the animal world for inspiration. Most mammals will seclude themselves to ensure safety from predators. They choose low lighting and quiet which reflects relaxation, calm, and safety yet again. If something disturbs them, their bodies will instinctively pause labor. This could be the case for many folks in hospitals. Their mind and body have a disconnect from what is wanted and needed for productive labor, which could be a factor in the number of augmented births modern medicine sees.

the people in your birth environment

Now, a difference between humans and animals is that, until a few hundred years ago, we gave birth with our communities surrounding us. This is not disturbing or seen as invasion. Humans are social creatures and we used our support systems, communities, to guide us through labor. Whether you give birth at a hospital or at home, it is so crucial to choose the right people to have around you.

Having a birth doula present is great for guidance and general knowledge around birth. Make sure your birth support is filled with people you trust, you can be vulnerable with and 100% your authentic self. This will allow physiological birth to unravel undisturbed by expectations and fear of judgement. With the right group of friends, family, and professionals, you will feel loved, safe, and confident to birth instinctively.

create an environment that supports labor

• Low lighting

• Calm, quiet, and relaxing sounds

• Minimal disruptions to your focus

• Choose your supportive community

Muscle movements in physiological birth for a pain free experience

Your muscles are contracting, relaxing, and moving constantly everyday of your life and it is not inherently painful. Think about all the muscles in your body: the heart, colon, lungs, diaphragm, stomach, and skeletal muscles. Every single muscle helps to move the body and to do so it contracts and relaxes.

Think about it, do you feel pain everything you breathe or digest? Okay, digestion can be a tricky one because most people have experienced a stomach ache at some point. Besides that point, having the mindset that labor contractions are using the muscles of your uterus to slowly bring your baby out of your body and into the world can shift the mindset from pain to practice.

Uterine contractions

Similar to the heart, your uterus contractions begin in one spot located at the top of the uterus and funneling downward. Picture a balloon filled with air. As you squeeze the top of the balloon, it reacts by filling up or expanding at the bottom of the balloon. The bottom of the balloon is analogous to your cervix. As your uterus is “squeezed” at the top, it pushes your baby lower and lower, expanding and thinning your cervix, as well as your baby descending further into your pelvis and birth canal.

breathwork to imporve uterine muscle function

Talk to any professional athlete and they will tell you that the key to success is your breathing and mentality. Getting oxygen to your working muscles is key to performance and reduction in pain.

Slow and controlled breathing sends signals to your mind and body that you are in a relaxed, safe, and in a healthy state. It also maintains your muscle function, by clearing your muscles of lactic acid build up, balancing your blood’s pH, and delivering vital oxygen and nutrients to your muscles. This constant flow will keep your muscles happy, keep you calm, and keep you comfortable.

releasing your fears and improved msucle function

When you are in an adrenaline rush your body takes oxygen away from unnecessary bodily functions, for example digestion or birthing a baby. So, in birth when the calmness turns to fear or anxiety, your body responds by trying to protect the vital organs like your brain, heart, and lungs.

Knowing this, you have the power to change your fear into understanding, reducing pain. If you keep your oxygen flowing to your uterus by staying calm, your uterus will respond by having healthy contractions that effect change. You will also notice your sensations are not as intense because your body has plenty of nutrients feeding your uterus, instead of a building up of lactic acid.

Let’s keep you feeling safe and breathing for your mind and body! Acknowledging your fears ahead of labor can set you up for success, but that’s not always how it works. Remember that labor is a roller coaster of emotions and holding them back can affect your pain threshold. Release your emotions, ask questions, and talk about what is holding you back. It will help you breathe better and surrender into your body.

Things to try for fear release:

• Fear release meditations

• Educating yourself on the aspects of birth: Knowledge is Power

• Positive and reassuring affirmations

• Movement- release stored up energy, jitters, or nerves by:

  • Dancing

  • Shaking

  • Walking

physiological birth summarized

Pregnancy and birth are a healthy, safe, and normal thing for your body to be doing. In fact, your body was designed to give birth without outside help! There are definitely special circumstances that arise which require medication, but know that your body has secret skills to handle most obstacles. Trusting your mind and body is the key to having a happy and joyful birth experience.

What to remember about physiological birth:

• Birth is a safe, natural, and normal human experience

• Your body is designed to BIRTH

  • Hormones

  • Hips

  • Muscles

  • Instincts

• Create the best environment for birthing

  • Low light

  • Calm and serene sounds

  • Surround yourself with trusted and supportive people

• Work with your muscles

  • Understand your fears

  • Practice focused breathing

  • Nourish your body

Final thoughts on physiological birth

Physiological birth is part of what makes us human. There is no shame in accessing medications or pain relief in birth! I encourage you to take your birth journey into your own hands. Educating, preparing, and advocating for yourself are the keys to having a healthy, happy, and joyful birth experience. All births are memorable for the fact it changes your life and welcomes you into parenthood. Let’s make it a positive and empowering memory!