Why we love oxytocin

If I could give parents just one piece of advice about labour it would be to keep the oxytocin flowing. Because that lovely ‘shy’ hormone is (for most mothers) all she needs to give birth. It’s name is even derived from the Greek words for ‘quick' and ‘child labour’.

So what is oxytocin? You’re probably familiar with the term ‘flight or fight response’ when it comes to threatening situations. Well, that’s your sympathetic nervous system and when your body enters this states, you realise the hormone adrenaline. Good for running away from predators; bad for giving birth.

The opposite hormone to adrenaline is oxytocin, produced when your parasympathetic nervous system is triggered. This is when you feel safe and calm, in familiar places with familiar people.

Oxytocin in labour

When it comes to labour, mothers obviously need to feel safe and calm, for the oxytocin to be produced, but what does this mean practically? Cuddling up with your partner, dimming the lights, watching a comedic series or film, having a massage, spending time with friends or listening to relaxations - all of which are wonderful to do in early labour. As labour progresses and you have opted for a home birth, you can easily continue them in your safe place where you feel the most relaxed (your home).

If you are going to a hospital to birth your baby, you may need a bit more forward planning to ensure that you can maintain your relaxed state and keep your oxytocin flowing. Wearing an eye mask and headphones playing your chosen relaxations can greatly help as they reduce your awareness of being outside your comfort zone (your home) and surrounded by the strangers and bright lights of hospitals. You can also take a pillow or other home comfort with you to help you to feel more at ease with the scent of home.

Create your checklist

You can make some notes now, maybe to sit alongside your birthing ideas, of what you think you might like to watch or listen to, wear or take, as your oxytocin boosters!

All of my hypnobirthing classes include relaxation audios for you to have and keep - and we do lots of lovely relaxation practice in-class too! Just email info@littlegreenleaf.co.uk to book.