Lesson 12 explores the innate neuro-behavioral program of the fetus and the powerful connection between maternal physiology, fetal reflexes, and optimal positioning—particularly in water. It highlights the profound wisdom of the baby’s body in initiating and guiding the birth process, often more effectively when the provider shifts from managing birth to supporting it.
Key topics include:
-
Fetal Cardinal Movements: The baby’s movements through the pelvis are neurologically driven and often instinctive. Understanding these movements helps providers support physiologic birth, especially during second stage.
-
“Let the Baby Out” vs. “Get the Baby Out”: The lesson contrasts two paradigms of birth—one that honors the baby’s active role and the mother’s hormonal physiology, and one that emphasizes provider control. Evidence supports letting the body lead with gentle, informed support.
-
Upright Positions in Water: Upright, mobile positions improve pelvic dynamics, encourage fetal rotation, and reduce the need for pain medications or oxytocin. Water enhances these benefits by softening tissues and encouraging freedom of movement.
-
Primitive Reflexes of the Fetus (In-Utero):
-
Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) – Helps the baby rotate into optimal position.
-
Galant Reflex – Stimulated by the uterus, causing head and hip flexion to aid descent.
-
Perez Reflex – Spinal stimulation initiates a sequence that leads to fetal ejection.
-
Placing Reflex – Encourages final descent and post-birth instinctive crawling.
-
-
Pelvic Vibration and Vocalization: The pelvis acts as a conductor of sound and vibration, which stimulates the baby’s nervous system and supports movement through the birth canal.
-
Second Stage Best Practices: Delayed pushing (or laboring down) is encouraged until the baby naturally begins to emerge. Forced pushing too early can lead to malposition and unnecessary strain.
-
Video Resource: Hands of Love by Dr. Carol Phillips offers further insight into the body’s wisdom during birth.
Ultimately, Lesson 12 reminds us: The baby is the driver. When we understand and trust the physiology of both mother and baby, birth becomes a deeply intelligent, collaborative process.