I have a prediction that this may become one of my most popular blog posts. Just wanted to put that out there right from the start.

Ina May Gaskin has noted that:

Early in my midwifery career, I observed another fascinating relationship pertaining to the Law of the Sphincter. I noticed a strong connection between the sphincters of the mouth/throat and those of the cervix and yoni. A relaxed mouth means a more elastic cervix. Women whose mouths and throats are open and relaxed during labor and birth rarely need stitches after childbirth. (Gaskin, pg. 178)

Research now shows that what Ina May Gaskin observed is also supported by actual anatomical features of the mouth and cervix.(As of 4.16.16 it has come to my attention that this link no longer works.)

Cervix and vocal fold tissue behave similarly in smear tests.

Vocal Folds

Cervix

So mamma, what can you do to keep all your lips relaxed from your mouth to your perineum?

1. Keep people with you in labor who can help you laugh, remind you to sing and chant and keep your face as relaxed as possible. Now, anyone who has been in labor or attended to a woman in labor knows that demanding that someone “relax your mouth” is not only ineffective, but it is not respectful. The best thing to do is help the laboring woman remember by doing a mouth relaxation exercise yourself where she can clearly see you. Watching YOU relax YOUR mouth will remind her to do the same.

2. “Horse Lips”—-flutter the lips on your mouth during contractions. It not only helps regulate breath and manage pain, but it is kind of hilarious and fun too. Practice when you are relaxed and in private while pregnant and you will automatically do it while in labor. It may feel silly when you aren’t in labor, but you will reach for this amazing trick when the going starts to get strong during labor without question.

3. Sounding: The seed syllable to chant for the navel center is RAM. Sit in your strength during labor or stand or dance and chant RAM deep from the basin of your pelvis. In order to pronounce the “RA” part of the chant you have to make an open oval of your mouth. Then, when you go to close your mouth to “M” you hum a bit and the vibration relaxes your lips, tongue, mouth and whole face.

4. Did I mention laughing? Sure, if you’ve never been in labor you might be thinking that I’m one of those folks that insists that labor doesn’t hurt (OK–I KNOW that some people have orgasmic births and some never feel pain, but that isn’t my personal experience and I don’t think you should count on it for your experience.) But, it is FUN! You are having a baby and not a train wreck after all. Let your support team plan to keep things light and smile at you often so you can remember to smile back.

5. Kissing? I’ve got to be honest with you here. Personally, I get super sensitive about my personal space while I’m in labor. The idea of someone blocking my precious airways with their mouth by kissing me and being all up in my face and my space was not attractive. Not in the least. But, you know, if you feel like kissing while you are in labor, it definitely wouldn’t hurt. And, well, it’s really your last chance to make-out and not have to worry about getting pregnant for a while……..so, might as well live it up!

To summarize, it’s important to keep your mouth open and relaxed so your perineum and cervix will relax and open to make way for baby. You can do this effectively by singing, laughing, kissing, fluttering your lips with “horse lips” and sounding deeply from the basin of your belly or chanting RAM or OM if you are open to these sounds.

Want to know how prenatal yoga can help you feel great during pregnancy and help you prepare for birth? CLICK HERE

Did you super love these fascinating labor tips and information on the anatomy of labor and birth? Well, join me for regular updates and be the first to see articles and find out about FREE pregnancy and postpartum events!

RESOURCES:

Ina May Gaskin
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth.

Cervical and Vocal Fold Study

Beautiful Cervix Project

This post was written by Sharon Fennimore Rudyk, MA, E-RYT, DONA Trained Birth Doula and mamma to two lovely littles. I’m based in Pittsburgh, but due to the incredible power of the internet, I work with expectant moms and their partners all over the world to prepare for birth. You can call me for a free phone consultation (412) 855-5692 OR send an e-mail: sharon@yogamatrika.com. I’d be so honored to be a part of your pregnancy and birth! https://www.yogamatrika.com

Matrika Prenatal Yoga and Exercise

Follow this link to Sharon’s awesome Pittsburgh Yoga Doula website for all things delicious, expectant and new!

Group Class Schedule

Wednesday at matrika (1406 S. Negley Avenue, Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh 15217)
6:00-7:15 pm

Saturday at matrika (1406 S. Negley Avenue, Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh 15217)
9:45-11:00 am

Tuition

$18 for single drop-in class*

$90 for 6-class package

*First class is FREE when you buy a package the same day that you take your first class

Payment Options

Bring a personal check made out to SHARON RUDYK
Use a Visa, Mastercard, Discover or any debit card
Exact cash (no change is available)

Matrika Prenatal Yoga and Exercise classes aren’t just regular classes modified for pregnancy! Sharon has developed a unique system that prepares mothers in mind, body and spirit with the strength, courage and endurance necessary to enjoy a beautiful pregnancy, powerful labor and birth and mothering a newborn. No experience with yoga or meditation is required, but Sharon suggests that you discuss with your care provider and get their support before you start any new activity during pregnancy.

Benefits of Yoga and Meditation During Pregnancy

Physical

Gentle movements improve posture so that you carry baby correctly and prevent backache
Improved circulation mean less varicose veins, hemorrhoids and fluid retention
Relieve fatigue
Alleviate minor discomforts such as heartburn, pain in hip joints and ribs, muscle cramps and headaches
Strengthen the body and learn poses that you can use during labor for comfort
Learn pelvic floor exercises and other techniques for strengthening your body for birth
Stay toned and fit during pregnancy. Fit moms recover faster from birthing.

Emotional

Balance mood and learn to center body and mind
Connect deeply with your baby before they are born
Meet other expectant mothers
Be a part of a supportive community
Have fun!

Spiritual

Take the time to be quiet during this pregnancy
Access your own strength
Become aware of your fears and learn to work with yourself, your baby and your care providers with confidence
Know yourself and be better equipped to communicate your needs and desires to your birth partner, care providers and family
Create a sacred and special time to relax, hope and dream

What to Expect in a Matrika Prenatal Class

We do not expect prenatal yoga students to have any experience with yoga. Our prenatal yoga classes are appropriate for women in all weeks of pregnancy. Although each instructor has their own style and may provide a different emphasis or tone to their class, all classes include some stretching and breathing exercises, some asana (yoga poses) that will tone and strengthen the body and relaxation. There is no wrong way to do yoga and the more often you practice, the more familiar you will become with the poses. As you become more familiar with the poses and exercises, then you can turn your focus inward. Although some poses may be challenging and you will feel the stretches as you create greater flexibility in your body, you should never feel pain in a yoga class. This is true in any yoga class and not just prenatal yoga! If you are ever uncomfortable or have questions, your instructor can help you modify a pose or answer any questions that you might have. Our classes are intimate and non-competitive so you can receive personalized attention from well-trained instructors.

Our classes are not just gentle yoga classes modified for pregnancy. Our prenatal programs are designed specifically for pregnancy and we use yoga to prepare for birth and for being a mother. Labor, birth and mothering a newborn are not easy tasks. The focus, strength and awareness that you learn in prenatal yoga classes will give you the skills you need to meet these tasks with confidence. We support one another and the entire Matrika community is here for you now and after you have your baby.

Thank you to Red Lotus Photography for the beautiful photographs of Matrika Mammas.

Tag: labor

Spread Your Lips for a Better Birth

Want to know how prenatal yoga can help you feel great during pregnancy and help you prepare for birth? CLICK HERE

Did you super love these fascinating labor tips and information on the anatomy of labor and birth? Well, join me for regular updates and be the first to see articles and find out about FREE pregnancy and postpartum events!

Prenatal Yoga Classes in Pittsburgh