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“Part way through viewing Orgasmic Birth I realized that the last time I saw footage of a real birth was in junior high, in a room filled with teenagers squealing ‘ew’ and covering their eyes. Debra’s documentary is a wonderful antidote to such pervasive associations of birth and trauma. I came away inspired, informed, and immensely grateful to those who made the film possible.”
Lorelei Russ, Doula
While in Malaysia this past week speaking about respectful care, I always love the opportunity to open up the topic of pleasure, ecstasy and Orgasmic Birth. It is too often a forgotten aspect of childbirth, or the one aspect that is avoided, as to talk about pleasure and/or the sexuality of birth can make many people uncomfortable. Yet, for me it is an essential topic if we are to look at the ways to honor, respect and offer women the options and care that will make childbirth as safe and easy as possible.
In my workshops, I talk about one of my favorite subjects, how to have a Pleasurable Birth. We listen to the sounds of a woman in labor. This always brings smiles, giggles and moments of intimacy with ourselves and our sexuality as births sounds much like good sex. We talk about sexuality and survivors of sexual abuse, as for many of us our sexuality has not always been all we desired and for many it includes trauma. Birth is an opportunity for healing and sadly, for too many women around the world, it is a time that they once again feel victimized.
It is hard to believe how quickly the 8 days at Eat Pray Doula went together. There were still more topics I wish I could have covered and wishing there was time to spend with each woman/doula to learn more about them.
Submitted by Hermine Hayes-Klein
Each time I enter Fedlbach Hospital and see their amazing birthing suites I have to ask myself why can’t other hospitals do this? Why have so many hospitals set up the room with the smallest bed one has ever had when you are the biggest in your life?
“It's become a war over our perception of pregnant women and the nature of pregnancy. Is it a potentially deadly medical condition requiring massive intervention to produce a "good outcome" or is it a beautiful, natural moment of bonding between human souls?
Debra Pascali Bonaro is the director of Orgasmic Birth and co-author of the book Orgasmic Birth, Your Guide to a Safe, Satisfying and Pleasurable Birth Experience. Debra helps birth pros and new families all over the world learn about the details of gentle birth. Visit www.debrapascalibonaro.com to join in a webinar, attend a destination workshop and learn more about natural childbirth.