Childbirth is a fundamental
component of a woman's sexual cycle. The sexuality of childbirth is not well
recognized in Western society despite research showing that some women
experience orgasm(s) during labor and childbirth.
Current thinking supports the
view that labor and childbirth are perceived to be physically painful events,
and more women are relying on medical interventions for pain relief in labor.
This review explores the potential of orgasm as a mode of pain relief in
childbirth and outlines the physiological explanations for its occurrence.
Potential barriers to sexual expression during childbirth and labor, including
the influence of deeply held cultural beliefs about sexuality, the importance
of privacy and intimacy in facilitating orgasmic birth experiences, and the
value of including prospective fathers in the birthing experience, are
discussed.
The role of midwives and their perceptions of the use of
complementary and alternative therapies for pain relief in labor are examined.
While there are indications of widespread use of complementary and alternative
therapies such as hydrotherapy, herbal remedies, and breathing techniques for
pain relief in childbirth, orgasm was not among those mentioned.
Lack of
recognition of the sexuality of childbirth, despite findings that orgasm can
attenuate the effects of labor pain, suggests the need for greater awareness
among expectant parents, educators, and health professionals of the potential
of orgasm as a means of pain relief in childbirth.
Purchase full article at: http://goo.gl/V8YDs0
By: Mayberry L1, Daniel J2.
- 1Curtin University L.Mayberry@curtin.edu.au.
- 2Curtin University.
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