# Orgasmic birth: the anatomy of pleasure in childbirth

## TL;DR

This paper proposes 'orgasmic birth' as a model that emphasizes pleasure and empowerment during childbirth, challenging the current biomedicalized approach.

## Contribution

The paper introduces the concept of orgasmic birth and advocates for integrating pleasure and sexuality into perinatal care.

## Key findings

- Biomedical interventions disrupt natural hormonal flows linked to pleasurable births.
- A holistic approach to care can reduce pain and improve satisfaction during childbirth.
- Future research should explore integrating safety and pleasure in childbirth practices.

## Abstract

Contemporary childbirth practices, which have long been globally dominated by a biomedicalized framework, have sterilized the birthing experience, have stripped away emotional and physical pleasures as well as essential aspects of women's sexuality, and have led to a loss of autonomy for many women and birthing people. In this article, I propose an alternative model of care— “orgasmic birth”. And I explain that this model emphasizes respectful perinatal care, pleasurable births, and childbearers’ empowerment. By drawing on my reviews of the extensive scientific literature on hormonal interplays, the anatomies of pleasure, and sexuality, in this article, I also discuss how biomedical interventions such as synthetic hormones, epidural nerve blocks, and cesareans disrupt the natural hormonal flow that is associated with pleasurable births. The results of my literature reviews have shown that a more holistic, respectful approach to perinatal care can reduce pain, decrease birth traumas, and improve satisfaction by acknowledging the important roles of pleasure and sexuality during childbirth. I also strongly argue that future research should explore how biomedical systems can integrate practices that honor both safety and the potential for pleasure during childbirth.