Empowered birth



Many people think, “it will work out — women have been giving birth since the beginning of time.” But research shows that when we better prepare for birth and make informed choices about how we want to give birth, the risk of complications after birth and pregnancy are minimized.


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Pregnancy



How can we prepare during pregnancy?



When we give birth, we need to take part in the preparation ourselves. Studies show that women who prepare and make informed choices during birth lower the risk of emergency C-sections, special care for the baby, and epidurals (1). In other words, it is very important that we take part in both the mental and physical preparation.


Our cultural ideas about childbirth affect how we give birth. For example, many people believe that women give birth lying on their backs, screaming in a hospital bed — a picture we often see in movies and on TV. But lying on the back makes it harder for the baby to come out and can cause more pain. Giving birth in upright positions that allow the pelvis to move freely is better — for example, using a birth stool, in a water pool, or on all fours.

*Referenser: 1. R. Dekker, 2022.


Webbinar

Take part in your care



Informed choices - prior to, during, and after birth



In many countries, there are legal frameworks that protect patients’ rights during childbirth and healthcare. In Sweden for example, patients have the legal right to be involved in decisions about their care. But how easy is it to make a decision when you are already at the hospital and about to give birth? We need to prepare early, so we can decide how we want to give birth. In many ways, healthcare units are a great support for women, and Sweden has a low infant mortality rate compared to the rest of the world. But the healthcare system has also been criticized for becoming "too medicalized."

We will learn more about what this means, and what research actually says. Sometimes, there are problems in care. These can be caused by lack of resources, or because research has not been shared with the people who need it. Problems can also happen when people coming to the hospital have unrealistic expectations.



Pain relief is best when it is natural



Today, many people want an epidural for pain relief — but there are downsides. An epidural should only be used if there is a clear reason, and not without careful consideration.


What does the research say? Epidurals often make the woman more passive and can reduce her ability to feel her own body signals. Research shows that the risk of interventions increases — meaning the woman may need help to give birth (for example, with vacuum extraction) (1). Research also shows that epidurals can affect the bonding between mother and baby negtively (1, 2).


There are many other natural ways to reduce pain — such as using hot or cold compresses, changing positions, using hands-on techniques with a rebozo, or giving birth in water. Research shows that water has strong pain-relieving effects. It helps release endorphins, reduces the risk of C-sections, lowers complications and interventions, and may even shorten labor time (4, 5, 6). Intimate stimulation may also help reduce pain (7). Watch our webinar to learn more tips! Or scroll down to read more in the sections below.


Natural pain relief

C-section in healthy women - a result of fear?



Some women are so afraid of the pain of giving birth that they ask for a C-section, even though they are healthy and there is no medical reason. This shows a belief that the healthcare system can solve everything — that surgery would be easier than giving birth naturally. But C-sections carry several risks and can lead to different types of physical problems afterward. If the woman is healthy, giving birth vaginally and naturally is always best for the body.


That’s why we need to learn how to overcome the fear of birth. Fear is one of our biggest obstacles, because it affects the release of the hormones that are needed during labor. Turning to C-sections or other medical interventions to numb fear is not a good solution. Instead, we need to strengthen our own knowledge about the methods and techniques we can use to give birth completely naturally — with calm, love, and trust in ourselves


*References: 1. PhD R. Dekker, 2022, 2. Takahashi Y, Uvnäs-Moberg K, 2021. 3. Bengtsson, Turner, 2023. 4. J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc. 2012, 5. Lukasse & Rowe 2014). 6. PhD R. Dekker, 2024. 7. Sexologi, 2020, s. 65, L. Löfgren-Mårtenson.



Induction





One criticism in maternity care is that labor-inducing drugs are used too often — even when they are not needed (3). This means that women who have started having contractions that later slow down are given medication to stimulate labor. In many cases, her labor can start again naturally if she is allowed to rest and feel calm. In other words, it is often best to simply wait.


It is also possible to try natural methods to help start the contractions. It is important not to use labor-inducing drugs unnecessarily, because they can make the birth process more difficult.



Often, when labor slows down, it is due to stress hormones. The woman’s body naturally produces its own oxytocin, which is released in intervals.


When labor-inducing drugs are given, a steady flow of synthetic oxytocin (called syntocinon) is added through an IV. This does not come in the same natural intervals as the body’s own oxytocin. As a result, the woman can lose touch with her natural instincts — for example, knowing when to push. This creates a feeling of not being in control of the body. Many women describe it as uncomfortable. Labor-inducing drugs should only be used when truly necessary — when there is a clear medical reason.

*References: see section above



Fear & stress



Fear is the biggest obstacle, as stress hormones block the process of birth



Facing our fears is an important step, because when we feel afraid or stressed, it becomes much harder to give birth. The body becomes tense and closes up instead of opening. We simply cannot give birth in a calm and safe way if we are releasing stress hormones at the same time. That’s why it is important to face our fears already during pregnancy — to prepare both mentally and physically. Just getting knowledge and information can be very calming and reassuring. You can start by watching or listening to our webinar on how to have a safe and positive birth.


Natural pain relief



Natural birthing



What techniques and methods are available, that you can learn for yourself, to achieve natural pain relief?



G-spot



The woman has what is called the "G-spot", which can create sexual pleasure but also has a pain-relieving effect. When the baby is about to be born, the head presses against this area and creates a natural form of pain relief (1). The clitoris does not provide the same kind of pain relief during the pushing stage, but clitoral stimulation at the beginning of labor can help the body relax and increase the release of oxytocin.

*Referens: 1. Sexologi, 2020, s. 65, L. Löfgren-Mårtenson.



Water



Water — such as a shower, bath, or birth pool — can relieve pain significantly. Water can also help labor progress. Research shows that using water during birth leads to fewer interventions, fewer complications, fewer C-sections, less medical pain relief, shorter labor time, and higher levels of endorphins (2, 3).

*Referenser: 2. R Dekker, 2024, 3. J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc. 2012, Lukasse & Rowe 2014.



Oxytocin



Oxytocin is essential for natural birth. It is known as the "love hormone" and is released through touch, such as kissing or hugging. But many women in labor do not want to be touched, so it is important to respect her boundaries and let her be if she wishes. There are also other ways to increase oxytocin — for example: darkening the room, smelling something pleasant, or laughing. Oxytocin helps create a feeling of safety. What makes you feel safe?


Tushi roll



Tushi roll is a technique using a so-called rebozo — a shawl or piece of cloth wrapped around the woman’s hips. With rocking or gentle rubbing movements, a partner, doula, or midwife can perform the Tushi roll during early labor to help support the process.


Changing positions



Changing positions during labor can help relieve pain. It can also help the labor progress if contractions have started but slowed down.


More tips



  • Heat (warm packs etc) or cold compress
  • Acupuncture
  • TENS machine
  • Pilates ball
  • Laugh Dance
  • Don’t forget to rest between contractions
  • Remember to check if you need to, for example, drink or go to the toilet


How can I feel safe during birth?



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