provide mothers with a positive experience of labour
How can we provide mothers with a positive experience of labour?
I have been reading a lot about relaxation techniques (hypnobirthing) which make Labour more comfortable, efficient and a positive experience for the mother.
The aim of these techniques are to stimulate the parasympathetic and improve release of endogenous oxytocin and endorphins; in addition to eliminating release of adrenaline due to stress and fear, and is counterproductive in Labour
I found the verses on the Labour of Alsayida Maryam, the mother of Jesus, May Allah be pleased with them both, very enlightening. They echo some of the same principles:
1- privacy: "she withdrew with him to a far place", "to a trunk of a palm tree". This is an instinct for many animals, the pregnant mother will find a safe private area to have her babies. Perhaps this is why many women start Labour at night?? Because it is quiet, dark and she is relaxed
2- "do not grieve" and "be consoled" - a positive frame of mind and reassurance from others is very important In helping the mother relax, which leads to more oxytocin and less adrenaline
3- "eat and drink" - maintaining energy levels and hydration also helps to achieve a more comfortable efficient Labour. Dates particularly are a great source of energy
فَحَمَلَتْهُ فَانْتَبَذَتْ بِهِ مَكَانًا قَصِيًّا (٢٢) فَأَجَاءَهَا الْمَخَاضُ إِلَى جِذْعِ النَّخْلَةِ قَالَتْ يَا لَيْتَنِي مِتُّ قَبْلَ هَذَا وَكُنْتُ نَسْيًا مَنْسِيًّا23
فَنَادَاهَا مِنْ تَحْتِهَا أَلَّا تَحْزَنِي قَدْ جَعَلَ رَبُّكِ تَحْتَكِ سَرِيًّا (24) وَهُزِّي إِلَيْكِ بِجِذْعِ النَّخْلَةِ تُسَاقِطْ عَلَيْكِ رُطَبًا جَنِيًّا (25
فَكُلِي وَاشْرَبِي وَقَرِّي عَيْنًا فَإِمَّا تَرَيِنَّ مِنَ الْبَشَرِ أَحَدًا فَقُولِي إِنِّي نَذَرْتُ لِلرَّحْمَنِ صَوْمًا فَلَنْ أُكَلِّمَ الْيَوْمَ إِنْسِيًّا (26)
She conceived him and she withdrew with him to a far place. (19.22)
And the pangs of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm tree. She said: “I wish I had died before this and had become something totally forgotten!” (19.23)
Then he called her from beneath her: “Do not grieve! Your Lord has placed a rivulet beneath you. (19.24) And shake the trunk of the palm tree toward you, and it will let fall fresh dates upon you. (19.25)
So eat, drink, and be consoled. If you meet any human being, say: ‘I have vowed a fast to God, so I will not speak today to any human being.’” (19.26)