Birth Related
Fear Tension Pain Cycle In Labor
Fear Tension Pain Cycle In Labor
Fear Tension Pain Cycle In Labor
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, two obstetricians, Drs. Jonathan Dye and Dr. Grantley Dick-Read why her poorer and less educated patients experienced significantly less pain and complications in childbirth than their more affluent counterparts, who routinely required anesthesia. and more medically managed deliveries. Ultimately, the doctors concluded that they had better experiences and healthier outcomes because their poorer patients didn't have the same anxiety about labor and delivery. They argued that the more anxious a person is before childbirth, the greater the likelihood of complications and a painful experience. They called this the anxiety-stress-pain cycle. Here's how it works: when you're feeling anxious, anxious, or insecure, you put your body into fight-or-flight mode and your blood pumps adrenaline.
Your body diverts blood and oxygen away from vital organs and into the extremities to help you escape your threat (this is flight mode). You may begin to wheeze, sweat and your heart rate will increase. automatic, primitive response to fear, and it's not always something you can control.
The combat part of this response causes you to tense your entire body in anticipation of pain or threat. The muscles hold the tension, the shoulders rise, the fists and jaws clench, and there isn't a single muscle in the body that is relaxed. She's ready to fight her threat (and in this scenario, her "threat" is labor pains). However, when your muscles are tight, everything hurts much, much more, including your contractions. So what happens when this occurs? during childbirth?
Imagine this: you just came out of labor and it was the hardest you've ever had. You begin to strain hard during labor and you begin to fear the intensity of labor. Perhaps your support team doesn't realize this and you panic that your coping tools suddenly stopped working. They dread the next contraction because the last one was so strong. The
The doctor said he was 2 inches wide and "making good progress" but knows he has work to do and is tired. The first voice of doubt creeps into the back of his mind. "What if I really can't? What if this goes on for hours? Your heart rate increases, your breathing quickens, and your body begins to tense up.”
Suddenly the next contraction begins. "Wow!" you think. "This is even harder than the last one! I can't!
The next one is going to be worse and I still have plenty of time...' You're stuck in the cycle of fear, tension and pain and it's a tough place to be in labor. When you're stuck using (or trying to use) your rational, logical, "thinking" brain, you're much less able to use your instinctive knowledge of your body (yes you do!) and your body's hormones ( and the natural pain relief that oxytocin has) and provide endorphins).
Rather than surrendering to the process and staying calm, the fear-stress-pain cycle (and the fight-or-flight response) tells you that you are in an emergency and need to mobilize to get into to stay safe. to combat each contraction and your ongoing contractions which may make you feel overwhelmed, scared or anxious.
Here are a few guidelines to keep away from this cycle all through your labour: 1. Education is key. The extra you already know approximately what to anticipate all through labour and delivery, the much less room there may be for worry and “what ifs” to creep in. When you apprehend the manner delivery is designed, how your frame works, and what’s going on, you’ll sense an awful lot extra assured approximately your labour. (Pro tip: our childbirth schooling lessons are a outstanding manner to get the schooling you want!) 2. Support is critical. Having a strong labour aid group isn’t a perk: you want to have a group that is aware you, your wishes, and your fears to maintain you out of the worry-tension-ache cycle. It’s their task to be privy to your feelings and that will help you live calm and relaxed. They also can create a relaxed and quiet environment, with a view to assist your thoughts live at the project at hand, and now no longer on scouting for capacity threats. 3. Positive vibes only! We are huge enthusiasts of feeling your feelings- even the poor ones- however on the subject of getting ready for labour, positivity is supreme. And yes, it’s essential to be organized for all delivery outcomes (inclusive of those that sense much less than nice). However, it’s essential now no longer to live or consciousness at the “what ifs”. This isn't always the time to pay attention to birthing horror memories out of your sister or your bestie (and it’s definitely ok to request that they spare you the gory information till after your infant is here). Focus on envisioning an exquisite labour that you are feeling right approximately. Picture your self in labour, definitely rocking it and making outstanding progress, and be aware what that feels like. Who is there? What are they doing? What phrases or terms come to thoughts? Put all your strength into developing a nice image, and you’ll be more likely to make your goals a reality! If you’re definitely having problem together along with your worry or tension approximately delivery, we suggest speaking for your health practitioner or midwife, your doula, and all people else for your care group (inclusive of a counselor or therapist that focuses on delivery worry).
Sphincter Law: The Basics
Fear Tension Pain Cycle In Labor
Fear Tension Pain Cycle In Labor
Sphincter Law: The Basics
The vagina and the cervix—just like the anus and the urethra—are sphincters. Spinsters are circular muscles that surround the opening of organs which allow for emptying as needed, when necessary. These organs have the ability to contract rhythmically with filling, until the point of urgency which then the sphincter relaxes so that urination, defecation, or birth, can take place.
Ina May observed that all sphincters share similar features:
- Sphincters open best in conditions of privacy and intimacy, without time limits
- Sphincters do not operate under orders such as ‘urinate now!’, ‘push!’, or ‘poop!’ but do respond well to gentle praise and laughter (the owner’s)
- There is the risk of the sphincter closing if the person is suddenly frightened, upset, or embarrassed due to high levels of adrenaline in the bloodstream.
- Most importantly is the observation that the state of relaxation of the mouth and jaw is directly correlated to the ability of the cervix, the vagina, and the anus to open to full capacity. A relaxed and open mouth favours a more open vagina and cervix.
If these basic principles were respected in modern hospital units what would this look like? Firstly, individuals would ask permission before disturbing the rhythm of the birthing space. Women would be respected and seen as the experts of their bodies and babies. Loud voices screaming “PUSH!” would not be heard in a race against the clock on the wall. Bright lights, feeling observed, questioning, and medical jargon would not be tolerated. A lack of progress or stalled labour would not be labelled “dysfunctional” but instead emotional factors, fear and lack of privacy would be considered.
Factors that Positively Influence Sphincters
Visualizations: Do not underestimate the power of perception and our subconscious mind. For this visualization you need to first be seated in a comfortable position. Start by taking large cleansing breaths, focusing on breathing in through your nose and exhaling all tension and thoughts through your mouth. Feel your body relaxing, sinking heavier into your chair. Next, visualize your cervix as a rose. Envision the rose opening until it is a fully blossomed flower. This visualization can be used once you are full-term during meditations as well as during labor and birth. For those of you needing a visual aid, a free rose blooming video can be found here.
Laughter: According to Ina May “A smile is good. A chuckle is better. A good belly laugh is one of the most effective anaesthesia.” Physiology laugher releases endorphins, which help to lift our mood and creates a blissful experience.
Relaxing the Jaw, Mouth & Throat: A guided meditation focused on relaxing specific muscles will benefit a labour at any stage. This is important as the state of relaxation of the mouth and jaw is directly correlated to the ability of the cervix, the vagina, and the anus to open to full capacity. A relaxed and open mouth favours a more open vagina and cervix.
Water: According to Evidence Based Birth women who give birth in the water have a significant decrease or total elimination in the use of vaginal cutting with scissors (episiotomy) by their care providers. Less use of pain medications and higher rates of pregnancy satisfaction. In addition, evidence shows that babies born in the water have similar health outcomes com-pared to babies born on land.
Deep Breathing: Focus on breathing from deep inside your abdomen, while slowing your breaths to five to six times a minute (normal is 10–15 breaths per minute). Aim to inhale for 4 seconds and exhale to a slow count of 8 seconds or as long as you can manage with a human compressing your lungs. If it feels right allow yourself to create a low pitch moaning or signing sound relaxing all tension in your mouth and throat. Practice every day for 15 minutes.
“If a woman doesn’t look like a goddess during labor, then someone isn’t treating her right.” ~ Ina May Gaskin
References:
“Highlights Of 2008–2009 Selected Indicators Describing The Birthing Process In Canada”. Canadian Institute for Health Information. N.p., 2009. Web. 6 July 2016. statistics
Gaskin, Ina May. Ina May’s Guide To Childbirth. New York: Bantam Books, 2003. Print. Chapter 4: Sphincter Law
Gaskin, Ina May. Birth Matters. New York: Seven Stories Press, 2011. Print.
The Farm Midwifery Centre Statistics
Ina May Gaskin, CPM. BRITISH JOURNAL OF MIDWIFERY, SEPTEMBER 2004. VOL 12, NO 9
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