'Psychologists tell us the same thing; that when people are

 asked to consider evidence or make decisions in a group,

 they come to very different conclusions than when they

are asked the same questions by themselves.'

Malcolm Gladwell

When people get together in a group, the energy is contagious. The more people there are, the more potential for either positively (or negatively) reinforced support, or fragmented chaos.

Most births involve a group or team, and fortunately around birth there oft en exists a collective dynamic that seems to over-ride individual egos and issues. Perhaps part of the reason for this is that the goal is very specific and short-term. But beyond this, the powerful energetic milieu of birth appears to elicit a silent agreement between everyone to honour and serve 'life', and be part of what has long been described as 'the miracle of birth'. This precious dynamic has a quality that is archetypal and timeless, and is oft en experienced as profoundly spiritual. There is a feeling of deep connectedness and collective 'tuning in'.

The energetic shift towards harmonious convergence or 'coming together' of effort between individuals within a group can happen at the most unexpected moments and with the most unlikely combinations of people. It seems even more extraordinary when it happens in situations that have hitherto been somewhat chaotic and disjointed. It can be so profound that it may feel as if there are other forces or guidance at work.

AN UNSEEN HELPING HAND?

I once worked with a mother who came within a whisker of having a caesarean after a chaotic, desperate labour. Kelly had previously given birth by caesarean section and this time was determined to have a vaginal delivery. She planned a homebirth but we transferred to hospital after many hours of intense pain ripping up her spine and the head of the baby still well above her mid-pelvis. The pain in her back was extreme, and she found it impossible to maintain focus for long. Hers was the most 'off the wall' pain I've ever seen in a labouring mother. After several high doses of pethidine she was still in severe pain and it became more difficult to communicate with her.

We were all distressed over her obvious suffering and felt helpless.  The general feeling was that she should be given an epidural and sectioned to put her out of her misery. Because of the effects of the pethidine, it took another two hours to get her to understand her options. The baby's head was still high even though she was halfway dilated.  Eventually, she agreed to a general anaesthetic and caesarean. The whole time her husband was pleading for an epidural, and somewhere in her drug haze, as I later found out, she was expecting me to continue championing for a vaginal birth. The whole scene was very disconnected, though we were all trying to do our best. The obstetrician, a very kind and experienced man eventually took her to the theatre. She was still thrashing and in immense pain. I waited outside the theatre doors.  While I was standing there I felt an immense wave of what I can only describe as spiritual energy, very clear and as if there were some other greater power or force at work. In another ten minutes, Kelly was wheeled back out. The pain in her back had shifted and she was calmer. The obstetrician had decided on a last minute check before the anesthetic and found the baby's head had come down and Kelly was eight centimeters dilated. He decided, in that moment, against the caesarean, which was fine by Kelly.  Through all her suffering, she had never once said 'Give me a caesarean', even though she eventually consented to one. It was as if something deep inside her knew she could do it. Everyone was in awe, and everyone felt the profound energy of the change and what seemed like an unseen helping hand. She then pushed the baby out with great focus and determination.

From an emotional point of view, everyone wants the mother and baby to be okay, to come through the birth well, and feel satisfied, so we can all feel 'good' and not have to feel and deal with the 'bad'. Potentially, 'bad' involves being with the discomfort of emotions like grief, disappointment, resentment and anger. So, generally, most birth workers approach birth from an optimistic viewpoint, and on their best behavior, on the unspoken premise if we are all 'good' and wish for 'good', then at least we won't feel we 'created' the 'bad', or made the 'bad' worse.

APATHY IN GROUPS

There can be a downside to working in a group - apathy or heard mentality.

In his book 'The Tipping Point', Malcolm Gladwell explains: 'When people are in a group… They assume someone else will make the call, or they assume that because no-one else is acting, the apparent problem isn't really a problem'.

This sometimes prevails within institutions and systems of care where there may exist less concern for individual needs and more concern over maintaining standards in order for the system (as opposed to the people) to function efficiently (as opposed to effectively). Responsibility for any one person acting on the mother's needs thereby becomes diffused. Malcolm Gladwell adds: 'In situations where only one person is available to help someone, they will often do so much more than when in a group'.

Working with apathy in other care-providers or mothers can be difficult. However, despite the constraints and demands of reconciling system management with human need, it is certainly possible to encourage and contribute to a positive group dynamic. With the clear intention and greater purpose of serving the mother and child in their journey, we can harness and direct the energy appropriately. As we strive for more positive and harmonious interaction the group dynamic, even through difficulties, is more likely to manifest as 'wisdom in action'.

'When any group gathers with a dedication to something greater than  

one's finite, individual self, the accumulated energy is almost palpable.'

Lama Surya Das