The Importance of Rythm during Labor
The Universe is made of rhythm, everything in the Universe moves and vibrates in different rhythms. And one of the characteristics of the physiological birth is its rhythmic nature, acceleration and deceleration, the increase and decrease of the uterine contraction’s intensity, much akin to the rhythmic waves of an ocean. This rhythm is determined by internal and external factors influencing the mother and her baby. It is therefore individual and unpredictable.
During labor, several endorphins (hormones that induce a sense of elation and work as painkillers) are released, the main one being oxytocin, which is also a neurotransmitter and orchestrates contractions and cervix dilation. The release of adrenaline in the bloodstream – primarily when the laboring woman is under stress, cold or fear – prevents an adequate release of oxytocin, making labor longer and more painful. This is why we need to help the woman's body to keep its adrenaline levels as low as possible (even sleeping between contractions!).
The release of oxytocin occurs best in quiet, calm and serene environments that convey safety and tranquility to the mother. It is also produced when she feels loved and cherished. Melatonin, another hormone requiring quiet (as well as dimmed light) works hand in hand with oxytocin, during labor. Hence the importance of privacy and serenity when labor is unfolding, just like what mammals seek in the wild when they give birth in a quieter place, away from their normal environment.
Respecting this mammalian instinct, the mother can also resort to her own feminine nature and intuition, thus surround herself with companions who know how to reinforce her confidence and self-esteem, instead of exposing her to stimuli that reinforce her rational side, linked to a neocortex activation (requiring adrenalin release).
The pain that often accompanies the rhythms of birthing is a powerful guide throughout the different stages of labor, when the woman is opening her body for the baby’s birth: it assists her by sending alarm signals to her body if something is not quite as it should be. She then knows, for example, when to change position in order to better accommodate the baby’s descent in the birth canal. Yes, the body of a laboring mother reacts instinctively to the pain, but she can also help the birthing process by breathing softly and deeply, by moving freely, thus providing adequate responses to her baby needs. She can reduce her stress levels, returning to calmness and serenity after each contraction wave, relieving her own pain and also conveying tranquility to her baby. The pause in between contractions is as important as their active rhythm, giving the woman the opportunity to recover and rest.
After the birth, the woman experiences intense feelings of ecstasy and happiness, boosted by the high levels of endorphins in her bloodstream, as she welcomes her baby and her unconditional love increases. These natural hormones help both mother and baby to strengthen their lifelong intimate bond and connection.
From five to ten seconds or up to 60 minutes after the baby’s birth, comes the expulsion of the placenta and the membranes that formed the amniotic sac – if it was not an en caul birth. The uterus contracts one last time and empties itself, marking the start of the 4th trimester of mothering and caring for the baby.
About the Author
Susana Lopes is the Founder and Secretary-General of Prenatal Alliance, an advocate for World Pregnancy Day – March 22, a Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga Teacher, a Pilates Teacher, a Humanized Pregnancy and Birth Advocate, Speaker, and the author of “Yoga e Maternidade”. Her present work includes guiding women to effectively release stress and anxiety from their body and improve their overall health and connection with their baby.