Fetal Ejection Reflex: When Your Body Births For You

In this episode of The POPPED Podcast, Dr. Emily Muery explores the Fetal Ejection Reflex (FER), a natural and involuntary response during childbirth that can occur under optimal conditions. She discusses the mechanics of FER, common misconceptions, the importance of the birthing environment, and how to optimize conditions for this reflex to occur. The episode emphasizes the significance of understanding FER for expecting mothers and their support teams, aiming to empower them with knowledge for their desired birthing experience.References:* Odent, M. (1987). The Fetus Ejection Reflex. Birth, 14(2), 104-105* Kitzinger, S. (2003). Rediscovering Birth. Little, Brown.* Smith, J., et al. (2019). Spontaneous Pushing in Home and Birth Center Settings: A Retrospective Study. Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health.* Brown, H., et al. (2021). Perineal Outcomes in Spontaneous vs. Coached Pushing During Physiological Birth.BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.* Pelvic Pain Rehab. (2022). The Fetal Ejection Reflex and How It Works.* Lennon, K. (2023). Understanding the Fetal Ejection Reflex.* Evidence-Based Birth. (2020). Birthing Positions and the Role of Oxytocin in Labor.