Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Want a Mind-Blowing Orgasm? Have a Kid

Labor pains can be overwhelmed by pleasure, some say

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 18, 2009 9:47 AM CDT

(Newser) – Going into labor, most women would agree, is not much fun. But for Amber Hartnell of Hawaii, childbirth offered "the most overwhelming pleasure I have ever felt in my life"—a 4-hour sexual climax. As the Guardian reports, she's one of the women in a recent documentary on "orgasmic birth," in which waves of pleasure overwhelm the pain of delivery.

Many of the physiological processes that accompany labor, such as the release of oxytocin and endorphins, also happen during sex. Doctors and midwives debate whether the women who say they've climaxed during labor have experienced a true orgasm or are merely indulging in a form of masochistic pleasure. Either way, professionals point out that expectant mothers can't force a painful experience to become pleasure. "The orgasm is a side effect," said one advocate, "not the goal."

A new documentary extols the virtues of 'orgasmic birth,' in which waves of pleasure overwhelm the pain of delivery.
A new documentary extols the virtues of 'orgasmic birth,' in which waves of pleasure overwhelm the pain of delivery.   (©salimfadhley)
A new documentary extols the virtues of 'orgasmic birth,' in which waves of pleasure overwhelm the pain of delivery.
A new documentary extols the virtues of 'orgasmic birth,' in which waves of pleasure overwhelm the pain of delivery.   (Shutterstock)
Women in labor sometimes experience pleasurable sensations that may be considered orgasms.
Women in labor sometimes experience pleasurable sensations that may be considered orgasms.   (©Ross C.)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
riffran
Mar 20, 2009 5:48 AM CDT
I dont think my wife would agree...lol...she damn near crushed my hand during some of the contractions, but everybody is different I suppose
Guest
Mar 18, 2009 11:55 PM CDT
Gross.
Guest
Mar 18, 2009 2:27 AM CDT
Have a kid. Or, give me a call.

More Newser Stories

Orgasms Make Women 'Invincible'

Kourtney Kardashian Welcomes Baby Boy

Women Getting Shorter, Heavier

Men Spend a Full Year Ogling Opposite Sex

Facebook Boobs Bungle Breast Rules Again


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne