FULL MOON ENERGY AND BIRTHING
Menstruation and ovulation more or less follow a 28-day lunar cycle, so why can’t childbirth be somehow part of this cycle as well?
It’s certainly a widely held belief. It goes back so far, it’s unclear where it first took hold, but there are many people around the world have a deep faith in the moon’s ability to affect human physiology. Giving birth is just one human behaviour said to be affected by the full moon. Conception and fertility have also been linked to moon phases; and then there are the entirely non-pregnancy related behaviours, like homicide rates, suicide rates, emergency room admissions and outbreaks of insanity. Supposedly, all of these things increase on a full moon. Oh, and don’t forget werewolf-ism.
It’s called the lunar effect, and, as far as births are concerned, the primary explanation for the effect focuses on the moon’s gravitational pull. It basically states that much the way the moon’s gravity controls the tides, it can control a woman’s body. After all, the human body is 80 percent water.
But does it have an effect on kick starting labour?
If you were to judge by word of mouth alone, it would seem as if the lunar effect was a sure thing. According to believers, one need only conduct a survey in a hospital to prove the connection between full moons and childbirth.
Research
Whilst there are some studies, like an analysis of 37 years of data in France, 1968-2005, (Arthur Charpentier, PhD) which demonstrated a statistically significant influence of the lunar cycles on birthing, there are others which do not show a significant change. From a research perspective, it surely must be very difficult to measure. Sometimes the best research comes from consistent reports, on the ground, from midwives, doctors and doulas, who have many stories to tell about how busy birthing centres are on a full moon.
Having worked as a midwife and a doula for about 40yrs. I can definitely attest to the overwhelming busyness of a birthing unit on a full moon.
What’s unique about the Full Moon time?
Many people feel the energetic buzz of the Full Moon. What’s cool to note, is that it always means the Sun and Moon are in opposite Zodiac signs. It’s a super charged time, but also one of balance. The solar yang and the lunar yin are in harmony.
The full moon is a time of positive opportunity if you use it correctly. It can increase your positive energy or conversely, it can wreak havoc on your emotions.
Since the full moon pours down a tremendous amount of energy, you must be in a calm state of mind to receive a positive effect. Remember that whatever is going on in your body, mind and spirit will be amplified. So why not use this energy to your advantage.
4 simple tips for pregnant women due around a full moon
1. WALK – Go for a long walk, in the moonlight, with your partner and ‘feel’ the full moon energy
2. LIE ON GROUND – Weather permitting, lie on the ground, and enjoy the full moon rays absorbing into your pregnant body
3. MEDITATION – For all those meditators, this is an ideal time to sit quietly, in full view of your Full Moon and focus deeply on connecting with your unborn baby
4. VISUALISATION – If you are not used to meditating, then take time to visualise the gravitational pull, working on bring your baby down and out into the world.
