Why Don't We Talk About Orgasm and Birth?

Image courtesy of my client  Sarah Molasky, a seasoned stunt performer and acrobat who I served for both of her births. 

In our culture, birth and sexuality are often viewed as entirely separate, almost opposing experiences. Yet, biologically, birth is inherently connected to our sexual nature. Both processes involve the same organs and hormones such as oxytocin, endorphins, adrenaline as they unfold most smoothly under similar conditions: privacy, intimacy, dim lighting, and a sense of safety and trust.

So, why don't we ever encourage pregnant women to explore orgasm as a means of easing labor?

The reality is simple yet profound: orgasm is a natural uterine-opening mechanism. Experiencing orgasm floods the body with oxytocin, the very hormone responsible for initiating and sustaining uterine contractions during labor. When a woman feels safe, relaxed, and connected to her body, oxytocin levels rise, making contractions not only more effective but also less painful and potentially pleasurable.

Yet, the cultural taboo around sexuality ESPECIALLY  women's sexuality has led to a severe disconnect between birth and sexual pleasure. Women are often conditioned to see childbirth as solely medical, clinical, and something to endure rather than experience with empowerment or pleasure.

This cultural conditioning has deep roots, with historical figures like William Reich and Frederick Leboyer emphasizing how childbirth can indeed be pleasurable when the sexual nature of birth is honored rather than repressed. Reich boldly stated, "Birth is a sexual act that would be performed with maximum gratification if the sexuality of the birthing woman was not destroyed." Leboyer reinforced this, noting from his extensive experience that childbirth can genuinely involve pleasure-inducing contractions.

Casilda Rodriguez points out, even ancient texts imply childbirth wasn't always synonymous with pain.

What changed?

Primarily, it's the widespread repression and misunderstanding of women's sexuality, combined with medicalization and the fear-driven narratives around birth. 

Hospitals, bright lights, interruptions, and excessive interventions trigger adrenaline, shutting down the natural flow of oxytocin, stalling labor, and increasing discomfort.

Encouraging self-exploration, including masturbation, during pregnancy can empower women to reconnect with their bodies, fostering familiarity, comfort, and trust. Embracing orgasmic experiences during pregnancy and labor isn't just about pleasure, it's about reclaiming birth as an empowered, holistic, and natural process.

Breaking through these taboos and encouraging honest conversations about sexuality and childbirth can profoundly transform how we approach birth. It's time to dismantle the walls between birth and pleasure, embracing the incredible power of women's bodies


Exploring the Orgasmic Birth Movement
The concept of orgasmic birth has gained attention, these voices contribute to a growing movement that seeks to redefine childbirth by integrating pleasure, autonomy, and a deeper connection to one's body.

• Debra Pascali-Bonaro: A renowned doula and childbirth educator, Debra is the founder of the Orgasmic Birth movement. She produced the documentary Orgasmic Birth: The Best-Kept Secret to shed light on the connection between birth and sexual pleasure. Debra emphasizes that acknowledging the sexual nature of birth can lead to more satisfying and empowering experiences for women. 
• Elizabeth Davis: A Certified Professional Midwife and author, Elizabeth co-authored Orgasmic Birth: Your Guide to a Safe, Satisfying, and Pleasurable Birth Experience. Her work focuses on educating women about the emotional and physical aspects of childbirth, advocating for a more intuitive and pleasure-positive approach. 
• Ina May Gaskin: Often referred to as the "mother of authentic midwifery," Ina May founded The Farm Midwifery Center and has been a vocal proponent of natural and empowered childbirth. Her book Ina May's Guide to Childbirth discusses the importance of a supportive environment and the potential for pleasurable birth experiences.Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2de.wikipedia.org+2de.wikipedia.org+1Wikipedia+1
• Lovisa Dahl: A Birth Preparation Mentor, Lovisa shares her personal experiences with orgasmic birth and now trains other women as an orgasmic birth practitioner. She emphasizes the role of relaxation techniques, pleasurable touch, and partner involvement in achieving positive birthing experiences. The Sun
• Angela Gallo: A doula and birth photographer, Angela advocates for self-stimulation during labor as a means of pain relief and empowerment. She shares her experiences to encourage women to trust their instincts and embrace their sexuality during childbirth. SELF

Recommended Resources
For those interested in exploring this topic further, consider the following books:

• Orgasmic Birth: Your Guide to a Safe, Satisfying, and Pleasurable Birth Experience by Elizabeth Davis and Debra Pascali-Bonaro
• Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
• The Rhythms of Women's Desire How Female Sexuality Unfolds at Every Stage of Life by Elizabeth Davis

These works offer insights into the physiological, emotional, and cultural aspects of childbirth, encouraging a more holistic and pleasure-positive perspective.

By embracing the conversation around orgasmic birth, we can challenge longstanding taboos and empower women to experience childbirth in a way that honors their bodies, desires, and autonomy.