Four main hormones play a key role in childbirth: oxytocin, adrenaline, endorphins, and prolactin. Other important hormones include oestrogen, progesterone, prostaglandin, and relaxin.
Oxytocin is known as the "love hormone" and helps with lovemaking, fertility, contractions during labour, birth, and milk release during breastfeeding. It makes us feel good and promotes nurturing behaviors.
During pregnancy and labour, oxytocin levels increase to stimulate contractions that help the cervix thin out and dilate for birth. Oxytocin also helps move the baby down the birth canal, deliver the placenta after birth, and reduce bleeding. Breastfeeding also triggers oxytocin release. In some cases during labour or birth oxytocin levels can drop causing contractions to slow down.
The pressure of the baby against your cervix can stimulate oxytocin and contractions during labour? Keeping oxytocin levels high is key to a smooth and efficient birth. Create a peaceful environment, free of distractions and anxieties, to help increase oxytocin. Avoiding unnecessary interventions and finding a calm space can make all the difference. Your body knows what it's doing, trust in the process.
Did you know that doulas can help keep oxytocin flowing during birth, leading to easier labour and a stronger bond with your baby? 🌟💕 If you want a smoother birthing experience and deeper connection with your little one, consider hiring a doula today. Your journey to a more peaceful birth starts now!