What you NEED to know about your birthing body

(First and foremost: This blog post refers to when a mother and baby is healthy during pregnancy, with little or no complications. There is no shame or guilt to be felt for mothers who have faced complications. Thankfully, there are wonderful medical teams and hospitals that support expecting mums and new born babies!)

Your Birthing Body!

The birthing process is truly a remarkable and natural phenomenon. Just as our legs are perfectly designed for walking and our hands for holding objects, the female body is intricately designed to give birth.

But now, as we delve deeper into our understanding of the human body, we can empower ourselves with knowledge that helps birthing mothers work harmoniously with their bodies during the birthing experience, trusting and allowing their bodies to do the incredible work!

The Uterus…

Let's take a closer look at the uterus and its muscles. The uterus plays a central role in childbirth, and its contractions, also known as surges, are a vital part of the birthing process. During the first stage of labor, the outer muscles of the uterus begin to tighten, creating a wave-like motion. As these muscles shorten and tighten, they flex and expel, drawing up the inner circular layers of the uterus and causing the edge of the cervix to gradually open.

Here's where relaxation and a stress-free environment become crucial. The more relaxed the mother and her body are, the more freely and willingly the inner muscles can move. This cooperation between the two sets of muscles allows the edge of the cervix to open, as they work in perfect harmony, just as they were intended to do. It's truly a dance of nature.

Once the cervix has opened, the inner layers of the uterus concentrate higher up in the uterus. This shift prepares the body for the second stage of labor—the stage where the body begins to ease the baby out and the mother will birth her baby. At this point, the birthing mother can trust in her body's natural ability to guide her through the process. With each surge, the uterus contracts and aids in the downward movement of the baby, bringing them closer to entering the world.

During this stage, the mother's body also releases hormones, such as oxytocin, commonly known as the "love hormone." Oxytocin not only facilitates the contractions but also creates a profound sense of love and bonding between the mother and her baby. It's an incredible orchestration of physiological and emotional processes working together to bring new life into the world!

By understanding and appreciating the inherent design of the female body, I hope you can be encouraged to trust your body and work in sync with the natural birthing process. I want this knowledge to empower you to approach childbirth with confidence, knowing that your body is perfectly equipped for this incredible journey.

Remember, your body knows what to do; all you need to do is trust it.