The Importance of Hormones In Labour
The Importance of Hormones In Labour
How Can We Naturally Enhance Oxytocin, Endorphins, and Other Birth Hormones?
The importance of hormones in labour is a topic that I am really passionate about. When partnering with a couple to help them through their birth preparation, I ensure that they understand the role that hormones play in the labour and birth process and what we can do to help them naturally.
Hormones play a vital role in the process of your pregnancy, labour, birth and early postpartum. This process is driven by a delicate interplay of hormones that work together to help both mother and baby. In this article, I will explore the key birth hormones; oxytocin, endorphins, melatonin, adrenaline and prolactin and how understanding the role of these hormones can help expectant mothers feel more empowered and better prepared for labour. We will look at ways you can naturally enhance these hormones to support the body’s labouring process.
The Power of Birth Hormones
Hormones are chemical messengers that play a critical role in regulating various bodily functions. During childbirth, hormones help stimulate contractions, manage pain, and foster feelings of connection between mother and baby.
The main birth hormones include:
Oxytocin: Known as the "love hormone," Oxytocin triggers contractions, keeps them building and promotes feelings of bonding.
Endorphins: These are your body’s way of producing natural pain relief and mood elevators, assisting in creating feelings of relaxation and calm during labour.
Adrenaline: While often associated with stress, adrenaline can be useful in small doses during the pushing stage of labour.
Prolactin: The "mothering hormone" prepares the body for breastfeeding and supports maternal bonding.
Each hormone plays a unique and vital role in the birthing process, but certain medical interventions or environmental factors can interfere with their natural production. This is why creating a calm, supportive environment and knowing natural ways to boost these hormones can lead to a smoother and positive birth experience.
Oxytocin
The "Love Hormone" That Drives Labour
Oxytocin, often referred to as the "love hormone" or "hormone of attachment," is central to labour and birth. It causes the uterus to contract, which pushes the baby down into the birth canal. The hormone is also responsible for softening the cervix and promoting feelings of love and bonding between mother and baby.
How to Naturally Boost Oxytocin During Labour
Physical touch can stimulate oxytocin production:
gentle massage
skin-to-skin contact
intimacy
holding hands
hugging your partner, doula, or support person can also help.
Oxytocin flows best in calm environments that feel private and safe:
dim lighting
a calm environment
calming music
minimal interruptions
Stay upright and active: Movement such as walking, swaying, or rocking helps stimulate the body’s natural production of oxytocin, which can assist in the progress of labour.
What Can Hinder Oxytocin Production
Feeling stressed, unsafe, or overly anxious can cause oxytocin production to plummet, slowing down labour. It’s important to feel supported and protected in your environment.
Medical interventions such as Pitocin, a synthetic form of oxytocin, is often used to induce or speed up labour. While effective, it can interfere with the natural rhythm of oxytocin and labour progression.
Endorphins
Nature’s Pain Relief
Endorphins are the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals. As labour progresses and intensifies, your body releases more endorphins, which help you cope with the sensations of labour while also promoting a sense of calm and well-being.
How to Naturally Increase Endorphins
Deep, rhythmic breathing helps increase endorphin levels. Focusing on the breath not only calms the mind but also signals your body to release these pain-relieving hormones.
Gentle movement and the use of warm water, like a bath or shower, can trigger endorphin production. The soothing warmth of water is particularly effective at encouraging relaxation and reducing discomfort.
Positive thinking and relaxation techniques - Hypnobirthing, guided imagery, and other relaxation techniques allow you to focus inward and mentally prepare, encouraging the release of endorphins.
What Can Hinder Endorphins
Fear and tension - When you're anxious or afraid, your body produces adrenaline, which can override endorphin production. This is why reducing stress and creating a supportive birthing environment is so crucial.
Epidurals or medication - While pain relief options like epidurals are sometimes necessary, they can diminish the body’s ability to produce endorphins naturally.
Adrenaline
Friend or Foe?
Adrenaline is often associated with stress and the "fight-or-flight" response, which can hinder oxytocin and endorphin production. However, adrenaline also plays a positive role when used in moderation. During the pushing phase of labour, small surges of adrenaline provide energy and focus for the final stages of childbirth.
How to Keep Adrenaline Under Control?
Feel safe and supported
Surround yourself with a supportive birth team who helps you feel secure, minimising the release of adrenaline during early labour.
Use adrenaline to your advantage
As labour intensifies, adrenaline will naturally rise to give you the strength and alertness needed for the pushing phase.
Prolactin
The Mothering Hormone
Prolactin is responsible for producing breast milk and encouraging maternal bonding with your baby. It peaks in the early postpartum period, helping establish breastfeeding and promoting the emotional connection between you and your newborn.
Boosting Prolactin Naturally
Immediate skin to skin contact - The best way to encourage prolactin is through skin-to-skin contact right after birth. Holding your baby close triggers the production of this essential hormone.
Breastfeeding - Nursing your baby as soon as possible after birth further stimulates prolactin production, supporting the flow of breast milk.
Creating the Ideal Hormonal Environment for Labour
Your birth environment and the support you receive play critical roles in the balance of hormones during labour. I recommend setting up the following environment to promote a positive hormonal response during labour:
Create a calm, dimly lit space. The atmosphere of your birth space significantly affects hormone production. Dim lighting, quiet surroundings, and minimal distractions encourage oxytocin and endorphins to flow freely.
Surround yourself with trusted support. Having a doula, midwife, or supportive birth partner can help reduce stress and increase the sense of safety, leading to higher oxytocin levels and a smoother labour.
Practice relaxation techniques. Techniques such as hypnobirthing, meditation, and visualisation can help you manage pain and encourage the natural release of endorphins.
Stay active and mobile. Movement helps stimulate labour hormones, especially oxytocin. Swaying, walking, and changing positions can help your body work with the birthing process rather than against it.
The Importance of Trusting Your Body
Understanding the role of hormones in labour can empower you to make informed choices during childbirth. When you create a safe, nurturing environment and trust in your body’s natural processes, you can promote the production of key hormones like oxytocin and endorphins, which support a smoother and more positive labour experience. As you prepare for birth, consider how you can foster these hormonal responses through your birth wishes, support network, and mindset. Birth is a deeply personal journey, and when your body is in tune with its natural rhythms, you can experience the beauty and strength of bringing life into the world.