Study finds familiar faces make childbirth less traumatic

By Stephen Beech

Familiar faces make childbirth less traumatic for moms, according to new research.

The presence of relatives or friends lowers stress levels for new mothers, say American scientists.

Most animals - including other primates - give birth alone, but humans require assistance during childbirth due to the physiological complexities of the process.

The new study found that pregnant women who were unable to have their desired emotional support persons present during childbirth were more likely to have higher levels of perceived childbirth stress than those who had friends or family present.

The findings, published in the journal Evolution, Medicine and Public Health, showed that the higher level of perceived childbirth stress was comparable to the increase in stress associated with a Caesarean section delivery.

Study senior author Professor Zaneta Thayer said: "For most of our history, humans have been supported in childbirth by people, usually women, whom they knew and trusted.

"Our study highlights the stress that results when people do not have access to that type of support."

Research has shown the benefits of emotional support during childbirth, including shorter labor, less use of medication during labor, and better outcomes such as lower C-section rates.

Professor Thayer '08, of Dartmouth College, New Hampshire, said: "Some of these benefits may stem from lower stress hormones and increased oxytocin levels when people feel emotionally supported in labor."

She explained that oxytocin, a hormone that stimulates contractions, can have calming and pain-relieving effects.

It also plays an important role in breastfeeding and helping parents bond with their babies after birth.

The researchers analyzed data from an online survey they conducted in 2020 of 1,100 moms-to-be that examined how COVID-19 affected the well-being and health care experiences.

None of those surveyed indicated that they wanted to give birth alone.

But, due to hospital restrictions in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, many women went on to give birth alone or could only have one birth assistant present.

Around 30% of the survey participants indicated that at least one support person that they wanted to be present for their child's birth was unable to attend, and 93% of those participants indicated that it was due to hospital restrictions.

Some of the women indicated that they had hoped to have their partner, doula, or mother present during labor.

Around one in seven of the moms surveyed (14%) indicated that their health care providers seemed busy, distracted, or unavailable, which was found to be associated with higher levels of perceived birth stress.

And women with higher levels of education had significantly higher levels of childbirth stress.

Thayer added, "We know that making people feel safe, secure, and supported during labor improves maternal and child outcomes.

"So, maintaining access to emotional support during labor and delivery should always be a priority when possible, including in the case of public health or other emergencies."