So what is the sphincter law?

This is something that Ina May Gaskin - a well known birth educator and midwife popularised, due to the importance of allowing these muscles to relax and open naturally for a more optimal birthing experience. These statements share what Ina May Gaskin believes.

• Sphincter muscles of both anus and vagina do not respond on command.

• Sphincter muscles open more easily in a comfortable intimate atmosphere where a woman feels safe.

• The muscles are more likely to open if the woman feels positive about herself; where she feels inspired and enjoys the birth process.

• Sphincter muscles may suddenly close even if they have already dilated, if the woman feels threatened in any way.
  
  
  Albeit your cervix isn’t actually a sphincter muscle like the anus, it does act in a similar way. The idea that cervical dilation may pause slow down or stop, because of a ‘threat’. This could be a peak in anxiety / fear a change in environment, or even an unhelpful comment from a caregiver. This ‘threat’ creates a physiological response that occurs in our body in relation to the adrenalin response to check that we are safe from danger. The outcome is that the oxytocin high can be dampened by the adrenalin and cortisol which then means the pelvic floor muscles contract and can slow down the process of labour. So when a birthing mother feels safe, supported and relaxed their pelvic floor muscles can function more optimally and by utilising tools in hypnobirthing and a safe and calm environment can all add to a more supported birth experience.