the nervous systemThe two subsidiary systems of the nervous system play a huge part in birthing. The Parasympathetic system keeps the body and mind in a state of harmony and balance and restores and maintains the normal functions of our bodies. When the birthing mother is relaxed during a normal labour, her body releases endorphins, nature’s “feel good” hormones that allow us to feel pleasure and block pain.
Endorphins block the release of stress hormones. If a birthing woman is not releasing stress hormones, the muscles of the uterus relax and the body opens. As the body relaxes it continues to secrete these natural tranquilizers which then enhances relaxation even more. |
As the sensations of birth get stronger and more powerful, so does the release of endorphins and women are able to go deeper and deeper into a wonderful space, where her body and baby do the work together. |
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As the sensations of birth get stronger and more powerful, so does the release of endorphins and women are able to go deeper and deeper into a wonderful space, where her body and baby do the work together.
However, when the birthing mother is anxious, or feeling vulnerable, unsure, or unsafe, her Sympathetic system’s role is to act as the body’s defence system and instantly creates the ‘fight, flight, or freeze’ response within the body and responds, not just to actual threats, but to perceived threats. Stress hormones are then released and as the uterus is not part of our defence system, the arteries within the uterus constrict and close, causing considerable pain for the labouring mother. Dilation of the cervix can be long, slow and painful. The baby’s head presses against the closed cervix, causing more pain. Medical staff will determine labour is failing to progress and interventions are brought in which can lead to further issues. The current c-section rate in Australia is 32.3%, more than double the rate the World Health Organization recommends and a 77% increase over the past 20 years. Tension gets in the way of the natural birthing process, it’s as simple as that. read stories >> |
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