Australian mum addicted to giving birth

The word 'labour' makes Lana feel good and gives her butterflies in her stomach. Photo / 123RF

When most women think about childbirth it's fair to say that some memories are not exactly pleasant. I mean sure it's a miracle and a beautiful creation of two people who care a lot about each other. But from the hot flushes to the contractions and extreme mood swings, pushing out a baby isn't the prettiest of pictures.

My history of discussions with new mothers usually include phrases like "worst experience ever", "don't do it", "I think I shat myself", "unbearable pain", "make sure you take all the drugs on offer" and did I mention "don't do it"?

That was until I met Lana, 26-year-old mother of three. It might come to you as a surprise or maybe even a little shock, but Lana is "addicted to labour".

My reaction, as most of you could imagine was, "What do you mean, you're addicted to labour?"

Her face actually lit up with joy when she spoke about giving birth.

Just to make sure we're on the same page, I'm not talking about the emotional, overwhelming stage of holding the baby and kissing its forehead like we see in movies. I'm talking about the contractions, screaming and swearing part of the process that Lana says she's addicted to.

"With my first, when my water broke, the excitement kicked in but I was so nervous at the same time," she says.

"You get to the hospital; it's like a movie. You're rushing, there are nurses, and it's a whole new experience. You get into the labour room and it all begins. You hear women from a distance, screaming and shouting and you start freaking out.

"When it happens you're in so much pain that the feeling of the baby coming out actually feels good.

"During my first experience I was in labour for eight hours, natural birth, only took happy gas. The feeling was like nothing I've felt before and I loved it.

"I love labour but I hate pregnancy. My back hurts, I can't sleep on my stomach and I can't walk.

"I want the labour without the pregnancy. It's the thrill of it, it's exciting.

"The water breaking, pushing the baby out, it's all amazing."

Giving birth to all three children naturally, the look on Lana's face when she talks about her experience was bizarre and interesting. How could someone get so much pleasure from giving birth?

Obstetrician Dr Ric Porter says, "there are morphine related hormones that can be released during labour that can make a woman feel a sense of relief. Most women are incredibly satisfied with the outcome after going through labour but it's not often women actually enjoy the feeling as it happens"

Although many women feel daunted when they hear the word "labour" Lana says it makes her feel good and gives her butterflies in her stomach.

"It's fair to say my husband was in more pain than I was in the delivery room," Lana jokes.

"There has always been talk and suggestions that some women have orgasms during labour. There may be a certain sense of release and muscular relaxation which is possibly why this comparison is made," believes Dr Porter.

Lana says "If kids weren't so hard I'd have 10 of them. I might have another one in a few years time just so I can experience labour again. I don't want to do the whole pregnancy but I want to go through labour again.

"I feel bad to say I love it because I know some women go through hell in labour but I really love labour."