I have just returned home from attending the first Human Rights in Childbirth Summit 2015 on the continent of Africa, held in Johannesburg, South Africa. Participants included delegates, doctors, midwives, lawyers,
When we interfere with the process of birth we render the love hormone oxytocin useless and we need to ask ourselves how this will affect the future of humanity.
Physiological birth occurs when a mother is not disturbed during the process of labour and birth. This enables the body to release a cocktail of hormones and neurochemicals that enable and empower the mother and baby to make this major transition from womb to world in the gentlest and most loving possible way.
Human rights in childbirth are a global issue as women in different parts of the world struggle with various issues around the arena of rights in childbirth, autonomy, and choices in childbirth
Pain relief medication interferes with the neuro-endocrine systems of mother and baby during labour and birth. While the short term impacts may be negligable, no research has yet been undertaken on the long term effects.
The Natural Birth Workshop in Kwazulunatal presented the anatomy and physiology of Birth, addressed the effects of the emotional luggage we carry on our bodies and birth process and guided participants in techniques to manage the strong sensations of birth.
The Natural Birth Workshop in Kwazulunatal was a balmy day of discovery and sharing about ourselves, birth anatomy and physiology, and each other.