Physiologic Labor & Birth
Evidence Based Care EBC
Physiologic Labor & Birth
Physiologic birth refers to the body’s natural process of labor and birth unfolding with minimal intervention while supporting the health and well-being of both mother and baby.
Research and professional organizations recognize that birth is a normal physiologic process and that many women benefit from care practices that support the body’s natural design for labor and birth.
At Faithful Birth, we believe understanding the physiology of birth helps families approach labor with greater confidence, peace, and purpose.
What the Research Shows
Professional organizations and childbirth researchers describe physiologic birth as a process that:
• Begins spontaneously
• Progresses through normal labor patterns
• Supports the biological and hormonal processes of labor
• Promotes effective labor progress
• Results in the vaginal birth of the baby and placenta
• Supports maternal and newborn well-being
Research also suggests that practices supporting physiologic birth may contribute to:
• Greater maternal satisfaction
• Reduced use of certain interventions
• Earlier breastfeeding initiation
• Increased maternal confidence
• Enhanced newborn transition after birth
Why It Matters
The body was designed with remarkable systems that help labor unfold.
Hormones, movement, positioning, rest, nourishment, support, and a calm environment all play important roles in the birth process.
When mothers feel safe, supported, informed, and encouraged, they are often better able to work with the natural process of labor.
Every birth is unique, and interventions may be necessary or beneficial in certain circumstances. Understanding physiologic birth helps families make informed decisions while appreciating the body’s natural capabilities.
Faithful Birth Application
The Faithful Birthing Framework™ is built upon principles that support physiologic labor and birth.
These include:
• Continuous labor support
• Freedom of movement
• Position changes during labor
• Hydration and nourishment
• Partner involvement
• Evidence based education
• Informed decision-making
• Faith centered encouragement
These principles are reflected throughout The GIFTED Method™ and the educational resources provided by Faithful Birth.
Supporting Practices
Research supports several approaches that may help facilitate physiologic labor when appropriate:
• Continuous labor support
• Upright and mobile labor positions
• Position changes throughout labor
• Oral hydration and nourishment as appropriate
• Non-pharmacological comfort measures
• Patience with normal labor progression
• Supportive birth environments
F — Faith-Focused Mindset
Birth is both a physical and spiritual experience for many families.
Research has identified spirituality as a meaningful aspect of childbirth for many women and suggests that spiritual support may contribute to increased confidence, coping ability, and a more positive birth experience.
For Christian families, prayer, Scripture, worship music, and focusing on God’s presence can help cultivate peace and confidence throughout labor.
At Faithful Birth OKC, we recognize that faith can be a powerful source of strength, comfort, and encouragement during the birth journey.
T — Tinkling
Maintaining an empty bladder during labor is a simple but often overlooked practice that may support labor progress and comfort.
Research and clinical guidance suggest that a full bladder can interfere with a baby’s descent and may contribute to discomfort during labor.
Regular bathroom breaks may help:
• Create more space for baby’s descent
• Promote comfort
• Reduce bladder overdistention
• Support normal labor progress
Even when labor becomes intense, it is often beneficial to continue paying attention to bladder needs.
Within The GIFTED Method™, Tinkling serves as a practical reminder to regularly empty the bladder throughout labor.
E — Encouragement & Support
Continuous encouragement and supportive care are among the most well-researched practices in childbirth.
Mothers who feel supported during labor often report greater confidence, increased satisfaction, and a more positive birth experience.
Support may come from a husband, doula, family member, friend, nurse, or care provider.
Encouragement can be expressed through:
• Reassurance
• Positive affirmation
• Physical presence
• Prayer
• Emotional support
• Comfort measures
• Advocacy and informed decision-making support
A calm, supportive environment can help mothers remain focused, confident, and engaged throughout labor.
Within The GIFTED Method™, encouragement and support remind families that birth was never intended to be walked alone. Consistent, compassionate support can help create an atmosphere of safety, confidence, and connection throughout the birth experience.
This completes the research foundation for all six components of The GIFTED Method™
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G — Gravity-Supported Positions
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I — Intentional Movement
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F — Faith-Anchoring the Mind
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T — Tinkling & Timing
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E — Encouragement & Support
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D — Drink & Nourish
Key References
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2019, reaffirmed 2025).
Approaches to Limit Intervention During Labor and Birth. Committee Opinion No. 766.
American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA), & National Association of Certified Professional Midwives (NACPM). (2012).
Supporting Healthy and Normal Physiologic Childbirth: A Consensus Statement.
International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA). (2015).
Physiologic Birth Position Paper.
Hutchison, J., Mahdy, H., Jenkins, S. M., & Hutchison, J. (2025).
Normal Labor: Physiology, Evaluation, and Management.
Mohamadirizi, S., Mohamadirizi, M., & Mahmoodi, F. (2018).
The Effect of Religious-Spiritual Support on Childbirth Self-Efficacy.
Crowther, S., & Hall, J. (2015).
Spirituality and Spiritual Care In and Around Childbirth.
Ondeck, M. (2019).
Healthy Birth Practice #2: Walk, Move Around, and Change Positions Throughout Labor.
Toohill, J., Soong, B., Flenady, V., et al. (2008).
Interventions for Ketosis During Labour.
Bohren, M. A., Hofmeyr, G. J., Sakala, C., Fukuzawa, R. K., & Cuthbert, A. (2017).
Continuous Support for Women During Childbirth.
Gilliland, A. L. (2010).
Beyond Holding Hands: The Modern Role of the Professional Doula.
McGrath, S. K., & Kennell, J. H. (2008).
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Continuous Labor Support for Middle-Class Couples: Effect on Cesarean Delivery Rates.
Nguyen, A., & Heelan Fancher, M. (2022).
Contemporary Evidence on Doula Support and Maternal Outcomes.