What would you say if I told you that giving birth could feel orgasmic? I know – crazy, right? If it were orgasmic, then why do so many moms feel anxious when labor and delivery looms before them? Well, it seems as though some moms out there in the world have tapped into something good during the birthing process. Something really good. A vaginal orgasmic birth. Yes, you heard me – the ability to experience an orgasm as you’re pushing a big ‘ol bouncing baby out of your no-no place. But really – can this be true? Can birth really feel orgasmic? (And if so, why the heck didn’t I know about it during my two pregnancies?) I had to find out more about this so I could spread the word of gospel for all my pregnant soul sisters out there. So, mamas, read on!
SURRENDER, DOROTHY
To experience an orgasmic birth, a good deal of surrender has to happen, just as if you were experiencing an orgasm during sex. Surrender, release, and trust – all of these things need to be in place during the delivery process. It may feel a bit primal and exposing, but honestly, what part of birth isn’t primal and exposing? Most likely you’re laying it out there for all (or at least some) to see, so why not go the extra mile and make it as pleasurable for you as you possibly can.
SETTING THE MOOD
Just like when you experience an orgasm with your partner or with yourself, you’re most likely in a private, comfortable, relaxing surrounding. In most cases, you probably don’t have a team of doctors and attendants standing over your bed monitoring your every move. To experience an orgasmic birth, it’s best to create your birthing atmosphere as if you were setting the stage for romance. Truth is, ladies, the most conducive space for this would be in either a birthing center or a home birth, where you’re in comfortable, private surroundings. Most enjoy privacy during sex; so to tap into an orgasmic feeling during birth, you’ll most likely need as much privacy as possible. It all depends on your level of comfort.
THE PHYSICAL ASPECT OF AN ORGASMIC BIRTH
According to Christiane Northrup, MD in the film, Orgasmic Birth, “All of the pathways that are involved in sexual pleasure are in fact stimulated by birthing a baby. And when you can allow yourself to open in the same way that you open to orgasm, the exact same experience is possible.” Oxytocin, the feel-good “love” hormone, is released during sex, breastfeeding…and you guessed it, birth. The high levels released during the birthing process simulate a sexual response in a woman’s body, aided by the addition of an engorged labia, clitoris, and entire pelvic area during labor and delivery.
WHAT ABOUT PAIN MEDICATION?
Interestingly, when artifical oxytocin (otherwise known as Pitocin) is used to help induce labor, it ceases the natural production of oxytocin, taking with it any orgasmic sensations during delivery. So, if you desire the feeling of an orgasmic birth, it is most likely that you’ll need to keep pain relief or other medical interventions to a minimum during childbirth. According to renowned author and midwife, Elizabeth Davis, “relaxation, rhythmic breathing, and a change of position help a woman ease through these sensations [of pain and discomfort] without losing momentum, as she would if she tightened up or shut down emotionally. Especially with orgasm, the ability to surrender and diffuse sensation throughout the body is critical.”
THE HAPPY ENDING
So if you’re really keen on experiencing an orgasmic birth, the key is create to an intimate birthing environment; surround yourself with people you’re comfortable with and trust; and ultimately try to surrender, let go, relax, and ride the waves. Investigate in the possibility of a home birth or delivering at a birthing center; explore using a midwife; and check out birthing techniques such as HypnoBirthing or The Bradley Method that can help you relax and manage pain minus the medication during labor and delivery. Tap into your body’s natural release of oxytocin, tune into your body, and let go.
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