"Life of Brian" Baby

Need an extra push in the delivery room? Try some hearty laughter!

Recently I led a program for a group of local physicians, one of whom relayed this great story to me.

On duty in the delivery room of a hospital, a woman under his care was close to delivery. Yet it seemed she was more focused on watching the comedy movie “Life of Brian” and on laughing. He was trying to get her to turn off the movie and focus on getting her baby out. With no success. She continued to watch her comedy. The next thing he knew he lifted the blanket and there was the baby. It sounded instantaneous. What a wise woman to continue on with her comedy and laughter.

It’s true laughter can induce labor by putting pressure on the abdomen. I’m sure that the relaxation of laughing helps even more.

Before I lead a laughter yoga session I run through a list of health warnings. Because laughter is hearty exercise and in laughter yoga we laugh for a sustained amount of time, there are some reasons to go gentle. Of particular concern are those in the later stages of pregnancy. My standard precaution is “You need to go easy or perhaps not participate”. The pressure on the abdomen could push someone out a little too soon. I’ve heard of this happening. More than once. Although in all stories I’ve heard, the enhanced delivery was welcome and on schedule.

Remember that the next time you’re giving birth. Laughter can help. And who wouldn’t want to come into the world in an environment of laughter? What mother wouldn’t want to give birth in the spirit of laughter? It’s good for you and it’s good for your baby.