Orgasmic Birth: The Anatomy of Pleasure in Childbirth

Debra Pascali Bonaro ^*

• Other, River Vale, United States

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, 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 childbirths. I also strongly advocate that future research should explore how biomedical systems can integrate practices that honor both safety and the potential for pleasure during childbirth. We have the science and knowledge to make birth safer, respectful, and more pleasurable, and now providers and parents must have the education to do so!