What is an orgasmic birth

 

Also known as an ecstatic birth, orgasmic birth is essentially the idea that some people may be able to experience an orgasm (or several) during childbirth. This orgasm could occur spontaneously or as a result of masturbation or even intercourse.

The idea of a pleasurable birth is something that birth doula Debra Pascali-Bonaro — who directed a documentary on the subject in 2009 — has been advocating for for a long time. In fact, on her website, she calls it “every woman’s human right.”

Is it really possible to orgasm during labor and birth?

In short: Yes, it appears that it could be possible. However, evidence of this is largely anecdotal — there isn’t a ton of scientific research on the phenomenon.

And while it is possible, it does appear to be rare — though how rare, experts aren’t exactly sure because the subject is controversial and underreported. One 2013 study estimates that it could occur in about 0.3 percent of vaginal births.

(It’s worth noting, though, that advocates say that those numbers could be a little higher, because the subject is still taboo and people often don’t tell their partners or their doctor.)

So, how is it possible? Well, one reason is that the baby is moving through the same parts of your body that are involved in sexual pleasure.

Another is that during childbirth and lactation, a number of hormones are released, including oxytocin — one of the very same hormones that helps make you feel good during an