Physiological childbirth: an alternative to medicalized childbirth
More and more of you are considering or embracing physiological childbirth , also known as natural childbirth . But what exactly is it? It's simply about giving birth to your baby as healthily and easily as possible, following the natural physiology of labor. This is achieved through various factors that support the natural process , such as intimacy and trust, while eliminating other factors that can hinder it (fear, stress, overthinking, medical protocols, etc.). It is therefore the opposite of medical interventions such as epidurals, induction, or elective cesarean sections.
According to the WHO, childbirth is considered physiological when it occurs at term , that is, between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation, when labor and birth are spontaneous , and when the baby is in a cephalic position ; this contrasts with medicalized childbirth, which involves a number of medical procedures that must be performed by medical personnel. This type of birth is often considered reassuring, and many expectant mothers are unaware that there is another way to approach childbirth. We will therefore shed light on this alternative so that you can make an informed choice.
- Physiological childbirth, what is it really?
- How to prepare for a physiological birth?
- The benefits of natural childbirth
- Is physiological childbirth better than medical childbirth?
Physiological childbirth, what is it really?
Physiological childbirth is based on the natural rhythm specific to each childbirth process. Induction and labor are therefore spontaneous . Physiological childbirth is non-medicalized, or very little (medical monitoring is adapted to your wishes and the present moment) but does not provide security. No medical procedure is performed to speed up delivery or relieve pain. However, don't worry, if along the way you feel the need for medical assistance, nothing will prevent you from requesting it and moving towards a more “medicalized” delivery. It is also possible that conditions require it if there is a danger or contraindication for the future mother or baby.
You can choose a physiological birth at home , accompanied by a midwife (or a doula), in specialized maternity wards with rooms equipped for physiological births or in birth centers . It is also possible to opt for a physiological birth in a hospital center . In this case, we advise you to inform the staff in advance of your birth plan , because they are not necessarily trained in this type of birth and will not know the techniques to help and relieve you. Your preparation and that of the father must therefore be even more important to allow you to manage the situation as best as possible, in complete safety for you and the baby.
At home, in your cocoon, the atmosphere will be very different, far from the frenzy of maternity wards, delivery rooms, machines and the sometimes stressful pace of clinics and hospitals. Your baby then arrives in peace and privacy.
Physiological childbirth allows you to fully experience this moment of life. It is the result of real work, carried out jointly by you and your baby. Remember, whether in the context of a physiological or medical delivery, it remains you, the mother giving birth; and the midwife or gynecologist only guides and accompanies you.
Your feelings are therefore essential for the progress of the birth: it is you who
i follow your instinct , who listen to your body, who feel your baby descending... You are in control of the situation, you and you alone! For everything to go as smoothly as possible, you have to have confidence in yourself and in the people around you on the big day.
Different phases naturally follow one another thanks to the physiology of the human body to lead to childbirth:
- Pre-labor : contractions begin, the cervix changes little.
- The latency phase : the cervix begins to change under the effect of contractions which become more intense and more regular.
- The active phase : contractions continue to increase in intensity, the cervix dilates more quickly and exceeds 4 centimeters.
- The engagement phase : the cervix is fully dilated, the baby engages in the lower part of the pelvis.
- The expulsion phase : this is the moment of pushing itself where the pushing reflex is natural and helps the baby to come out.
- The delivery phase : after expulsion, contractions less painful than previously reappear to allow the placenta to separate and be expelled.
Physiological childbirth is governed at the hormonal level. Its smooth progress is favored by the secretion of prostaglandin , which allows the softening of the cervix. Then the secretion of oxytocins and endorphins allows the dilation of the cervix, your relaxation and the descent of your baby. Oxytocin causes contractions while endorphins reduce pain and promote relaxation between contractions. When the time comes to push your baby out, a rush of adrenaline allows you to find the strength to push without external intervention and to be able to welcome your child. The baby, for his part, secretes the noradrenaline necessary for his body to adapt to this new air environment. In him as in yours, these hormones increase visual acuity which allows an intense first look and that unforgettable memory where your eyes meet for the first time!
How to prepare for a physiological birth?
In order to be ready to experience a physiological birth, preparation is essential. There are several childbirth preparation techniques that will allow you to better understand your childbirth: yoga, sophrology, pre-natal singing, haptonomy, hypnosis... These techniques will allow you to manage contractions, stress , and pain. Moreover, when preparing for childbirth, your midwife or doula will talk to you about discomfort and not pain. Speaking of discomfort, this naturally reduces the perception of the pain you will feel .
Your support before childbirth but also during it must be solid in order to be able to manage the discomfort and go through the different stages. It will provide you with real psychological support throughout the birth .
The dad must also be prepared and integrated into the project , because his place is essential and major. He will be your pillar and your best support. He must know how to relieve you: the positions to put in place, the massages, the application of hot water bottles... His presence, his kindness and his comfort will be of great help to you. His intervention helps to create a cocoon of love around you and your child.
The benefits of natural childbirth
Physiological childbirth is much less stressful and more respectful of your needs than traditional childbirth. You give birth in a more serene, even familiar environment; and with people who respect your wishes.
You develop a better feeling of control over the birth , everything happens at your pace and that of your baby: you are an actor in your birth . Physiological childbirth allows you, as a future mother, to gain confidence in yourself . You are more attentive to your body and its primary needs.
Women who have given birth naturally recover more quickly and the start of breastfeeding will be easier without the effects of anesthesia and the pain of surgical procedures in the hospital.
When their baby arrives, mothers who give birth naturally release endorphins in greater quantities. These hormones reduce pain and bring a feeling of well-being and pleasure to new mothers. Women who give birth without an epidural also release oxytocin, which allows them to more easily find the energy to breastfeed the baby, cuddle him and experience the first skin-to-skin and moments of motherhood together in synergy.
Some women even experience an orgasm during childbirth. It remains difficult to determine the causes, but it could be linked to oxytocin, also called the "love hormone", secreted during sexual intercourse, and which is also produced during childbirth. Some women experience incredible and indescribable sensations with the “reflex thrust”. If you wish to get involved in such a project, we strongly advise you to read “The Guide to Natural Birth” by Ina May Gaskin where you will find many testimonials from mothers and a lot of information that will help you during this episode of your life.
Is physiological childbirth better than medical childbirth?
There is no right or wrong choice regarding your childbirth: this decision is up to you and your partner, it must suit your needs and how you feel.
The important thing is that each birth must be experienced as a magical moment to keep good memories. Keep in mind that not everything goes "as planned" or as you would have imagined or desired. These hazards exist but are not an end in themselves. Whether for the mother who wanted a medical delivery with an epidural in the hospital but where everything happens so quickly that the medical teams in the maternity ward do not have time to put her down; or the mother who wanted a natural birth but who ultimately decides to have an epidural or for whom an emergency cesarean section to counter a risk can also happen if the situation requires it for her health or that of her child.
To conclude, whatever the outcome of your birth, whatever decision you make, be kind to yourself , you will do an excellent job whatever happens and you can be proud of yourself!
Credit: @lartdelenfantement
