The Physiology of Childbirth (birth hormones + mechanics)

Demonstrating the complex interaction of hormones and mechanics during labour, birth and the postnatal period. The physiology of birth has many potential impacts on the outcome and experience.

The film is aimed at people working in maternity (midwifes, doulas, obstetricians etc), and at parents-to-be. It aims to encourage, inspire and give practical advice and to increase knowledge around hormones and mechanics of birth, to demonstrate the importance of understanding the impact of physiology on childbirth.

ForMed Films worked closely in collaboration with the clinical team to produce their vision. The team was led by Anna Coonan-Byrom and the film directed by Emma Lazenby. Emma gathered the real voices of women giving birth and used them as the base for the film, creating a number of characters and birthing partners around the world all going through labor and giving birth, with the story of the physiology and mechanics of birth weaving through them all.

00:00. Introduction
00:20. Early labour
00:48. Oxytocin
01:43. Beta-endorphins
O2:00. epinephrine and norepinephrine
02:14. Nurture the senses
02:30. Birth mechanics
02:41. Interrupting the flow
03:00. Active labour
03:20. Birth
03:40. Oxytocin
03:48. Prolactin
00:50. Placenta
04:20. Credits

Made in collaboration with
Anna Coonan-Byrom, Sheena Byrom OBE, Prof. Soo Downe, Dr. Sarah Buckley, Dr.Kerstin Moberg, Molly O’Brien, Kay King, Anastasia Topalidou and Anna Horn

Supported by
The White Ribbon Alliance, All 4 Maternity, University of central Lancashire, Optimal Birth, NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria foundation trust, The Royal College of Midwives and the International Confederation of midwives

ForMed Films make animated films to share real experiences of medical and health issues.

We collaborate with healthcare professionals and Charity partners and with people with lived experience to create authentic, memorable and meaningful animated films to promote wellbeing and increase understanding of health-based issues and medical processes.

Our films aim to provide a sense of hope and agency, signpost to sources of support, helping people to better manage their own health and wellbeing.

ForMed Films CIC are a not for profit/community interest company who make high-quality, award winning films for social good.

www.formedfilms.co.uk