Liz: Quick and Empowering Unmedicated Hospital Birth After Multiple Provider Changes During Pregnancy

Co-Host Liz shares her second birth story! Liz had planned to give birth at the same birth center she delivered her first, but this pregnancy journey had a different plan and made many twists and turns to navigate high blood pressure, Covid, and perinatal depression. Liz’s birth team attempted to mimic the birthing center’s calm ambiance in the hospital bathroom which helped bring her second baby into this world in an empowering and unmedicated birth while experiencing the fetal ejection reflex. Her postpartum journey was an entirely different experience from her first. Listen to the full episode below!

What is the fetal ejection reflex?

Well, put simply, it’s the body’s natural mechanism for helping a baby to be born. Essentially, when a woman is in labor, her body goes through a series of changes that help to move the baby down through the birth canal and out into the world. One of these changes is the fetal ejection reflex.

The fetal ejection reflex is triggered when the baby’s head reaches the pelvic floor. At this point, the mother’s body releases a surge of hormones, including oxytocin, which causes the uterus to contract more strongly and frequently. These contractions then help to push the baby down and out of the birth canal.

Interestingly, the fetal ejection reflex can also be influenced by a number of factors, including the mother’s emotional state. For example, if a woman is feeling stressed or anxious, this can actually inhibit the fetal ejection reflex and make it more difficult for the baby to be born. On the other hand, if a woman feels calm and relaxed, this can help to facilitate the fetal ejection reflex and make the birthing process easier.

One thing that’s important to note is that the fetal ejection reflex can be quite intense, and some women may find it overwhelming or even painful. However, it’s important to remember that this is a normal part of the birthing process, and that there are a number of coping techniques that can help to make it more manageable.

All in all, the fetal ejection reflex is a really fascinating and important part of the birthing process. It’s just one example of the amazing ways in which the human body is capable of adapting and responding to the needs of new life. So, the next time you hear someone talking about the fetal ejection reflex, don’t be afraid to join in the conversation – it’s a topic that’s definitely worth exploring!