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Birthing consciousness and the flow experience during physiological childbirth
Orli Dahan1, Alexander Zibenberg2, Alon Goldberg2
1Department of Multidisciplinary Studies, Tel-Hai College, Upper Galilee 12210, Israel.
Midwifery
|August 22, 2024
Summary
Women experiencing physiological childbirth report higher levels of "flow," a state of deep immersion. This research confirms the concept of "birthing consciousness" and its benefits.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Obstetrics
- Sociology
Background:
- Physiological birth offers benefits, but subjective experiences are under-researched.
- The "birthing consciousness" concept suggests an altered state of consciousness during natural childbirth, akin to "flow."
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the relationship between physiological childbirth and altered states of consciousness.
- To investigate the phenomenon of "birthing consciousness" and its characteristics.
Main Methods:
- An online survey was administered to 766 Israeli women with childbirth experience.
- Participants completed the Flow State Scale (FSS) and a demographic questionnaire.
- Recruitment occurred via social media platforms focusing on childbirth and motherhood.
Main Results:
- Women who experienced physiological childbirth (without epidural anesthesia or instrumental interventions) reported significantly higher flow states.
- The study found a direct correlation between physiological birth and elevated flow state experiences.
Conclusions:
- The findings empirically support the existence of "birthing consciousness" during physiological birth.
- All dimensions of the flow state are applicable to childbirth, enhancing subjective experiences.
- Further research is recommended to promote flow experiences during physiological birth for improved maternal and infant health outcomes.
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