Here is a fascinating yet often overlooked aspect of childbirth: the connection between a relaxed jaw and a more relaxed and comfortable birth experience. You might wonder, what does the jaw have to do with childbirth? Surprisingly, the jaw and pelvis are intricately linked. When you keep your jaw relaxed during labour and delivery, it sends a powerful signal to your entire body to release tension. It's like a secret gateway to a smoother birthing process.
The Benefits of a Relaxed Jaw
Stress Reduction:
A relaxed jaw helps lower stress hormones, creating a calmer experience for both the birthing person and their baby.
Easier Breathing:
Unclenching your jaw allows for slower and deeper breaths, which can be immensely helpful to stay calm and focused, and to manage discomfort during labour.
Better Pelvic Alignment and Pelvic Floor Relaxation:
A relaxed jaw encourages your pelvis to relax, open, and align optimally for childbirth, supporting physiology and potentially making the process more efficient. The jaw is also deeply connected to the pelvic floor so if the jaw is tight, the pelvic floor is tight and you do not want a tight pelvic floor as you birth your baby, you'll want to encourage everything to relax.
Practical Tips for a Relaxed Jaw
Use your Tongue:
Position the top of your tongue between your teeth.
Smile:
Smiling loosens up your facial and jaw muscles. In fact, it can relieve stress and tension from your whole body. Some studies have also linked smiling to pain relief, so ask your partner to line up a few good jokes!
Practice Gentle Jaw Massage:
Consider self-massaging your jaw during your pregnancy to release tension in this area. This means that you can train your jaw to relax for the birth of your baby. Simply stroke down your jaw line from your ears with 'long fingers', apply positive pressure.
Warmth:
Apply a warm flannel on your face if you feel tension building. Alternatively, birth partner can rub their hands together to warm them up, then place both hands on either side of your head. Simply take a deep inhalation in through the nose, and then out through the mouth as they gently slide those warm hands all the way down your face.
Visualisation:
During birth, use the power of your mind to imagine a warm, soothing sensation flowing through your jaw and pelvis. Practice in pregnancy so it becomes 2nd nature during the birth.
Affirmations:
By repeating positive affirmations like "My jaw is relaxed, and my pelvis is open" during birth, you can promote mental and physical relaxation. This can support the physiological process of labour. Remember, where the mind leads, the body follows.
Support System:
Surround yourself with a supportive birthing team or partner who understands this mind-body connection and can help remind you to keep your jaw relaxed.
A More Relaxed and More Comfortable Birth
Every body and birthing journey is unique, but embracing this amazing connection between our jaw and pelvis can enhance our birthing experience and help us welcome our babies with more ease and comfort.
For more information about Poppy and Jack’s Antenatal and Hypnobirthing Courses in Bristoland online, click here.
Discover how I can support you in releasing anxiety and tension during your pregnancy through personalised Mama Well-being sessions by clicking here.