Preparing for a natural birth by quieting the neo-cortex
The human brain is a demonstration of the evolution of humans - from reptiles to mammals to the current human form. It is effectively three brains in one: the reptilian brain (brain stem), the mammalian brain (limbic system) and the neo-cortex (responsible for higher mental functions). There is a complex relationship between these three major components of the brain, but understanding this overall distinction enables us to appreciate the aspects of our mind that we need to utilise in able to birth naturally.
Reptilian brain (brain stem)
The reptilian brain is the first part of the brain to develop in the womb. It is responsible for our survival. It is called such since it is very much like the entire brain of reptiles. It controls our basic bodily functions such as heart rate, breathing, digestion and waste elimination.
Mammalian brain (limbic system)
The limbic system is involved in our emotional and behavioural responses. This part of the brain is mainly involved in the behaviours that are necessary for survival such as the fight and flight response, reproduction, caring for our young, and feeding. The hippocampus and amygdala are the two main parts of the limbic system, but it also includes the thalamus, hypothalamus and basal ganglia.
Neo-cortex
The neo-cortex is involved in higher mental functions such as sensory perception, cognition, memory, language, generation of motor commands and conscious thought. All aspects that differentiate us from other animals is contained within the neo-cortex.
The release of the four major hormones of birthing – oxytocin, beta-endorphins, catecholamines and prolactin are regulated by the limbic system. For birth to proceed naturally, it is essential that the woman's energy is less focused on the rational, thinking neo-cortex brain, and allows the limbic system to work its magic. This can be a challenging thing to do when we are so used to being ‘in control’, and feel an unease if we are not. Michel Odent in his book Birth Reborn, spoke of their practice at Pithivers, a French hospital, which emphasised the importance of this: ‘On the day of birth we encourage women in labor to give in to the experience, to lose control, to forget all they have learned – all the cultural images, all the behavioral patterns.’ In fact quieting the neo-cortex could be the cornerstone of achieving a natural birth. We find that in a typical hospital setting the neo-cortex is being stimulated, which effectively tips the balance away form the limbic system to the thinking brain, and can effectively slow the progression of labour.
If an animal is interrupted during the birthing process it can interfere with the progression of the labour. Humans are no different. The environment that a woman is giving birth in should be one that she would feel safe making love in. This should be the standard applied to determine if the birthing environment is right. The environment is pivotal in quieting the thinking brain and subduing the preconceptions and fear that many women carry with them about birth. Birth has become so heavily medicalised and viewed as a process to be feared. It is important that women work through, and overcome these negative beliefs prior to the birthing process. Women need to be in a relaxed and calm state of surrender, free from fear and doubts.
There are a number of things that can be done to achieve a sense of privacy and safety for the mother. This will encourage an effective mix of the birthing hormones to be released to promote a gentle birth.
The environment should ideally be one that encourages a sense of safety and familiarity.
Keep the lighting low – by keeping the room dimly lit we are creating a private environment that will be minimally stimulating to the neo-cortex.
Keep talking or communicating to a labouring woman to a bare minimum. By talking to a labouring woman you are effectively pulling her out of the state of going within and stimulating the neo-cortex. If you observe a woman in natural advanced labour she appears as though she is in another world. A woman should not be interrupted during this period of deep surrender. This is representative of a reduction in the neo-cortical activity.
Keep ambient noise and other auditory stimulation to a minimum. This is important to consider in a hospital setting where there are various pieces of equipment that may be at work.
Avoid excessive examinations of the labouring woman. Again this will stimulate neo-cortical activity and can result in release of adrenaline, which can slow labour.
Make sure the labouring woman doesn’t feel ‘observed’. This again stimulates the neo-cortex and can therefore slow the progression.
It is essential that the right combination of birthing hormones are released at the right time in the right amounts, and this delicate balance is strongly influenced by the environment the woman is placed in. For any woman wishing to experience an undisturbed birth, dedication to creating an environment of minimal stimulation and distraction as possible is of paramount importance.
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