Natural Hormones of Labor & Birth

Oxytocin: The hormone of love

The forces that powers natural childbirth

• Oxytocin is a natural pain reliever, brings feelings of joy, ecstasy, bliss, connection and the letting down of the milk
• Pitocin, the synthetic form or oxytocin is often used to speed up labor once it has slowed down. Preparing for labor by reducing fear and being in a safe, unobserved, private space can reduce the slowing of contraction
• Pitocin can cause more pain as it signals the shut down of natural oxytocin. It causes contractions to be longer, stronger and closer together, not allowing for the uterus to contract at a natural rhythm; leaving the baby at risk of lack of blood and oxygen and the mom with no rest. Naturally spaced out contraction are important for the mom and baby and reduce stress for both
• Pictocin triples the cesarean section rates

Epinephrine and Norepinephrine: The hormones of excitement

The fight or flight hormones. These are released when anxious, frightened, hungry, cold or excited

• Levels of these hormones build up gradually as labor progresses
• These hormones will inhibit labor and will directly reduce the contractility of the mother's uterus and slow labor down or stop it completely (in nature this is to stop labor so the mammal can move to a safe location)
• But the problem with modern times is women are put into situations where they don't feel private, safe and unobserved (the core requirements for birth of all mammals).
• If the stress hormone hits the bloodstream the cervix locks up, which is a large factor of interventions and/or c-section. It only takes about 30 mins to relax the cervix and proceed with birth if you have the tools. An experienced doula has many tools that can be used if this occurs.

Beta- Endorphins: The hormone of pleasure and transcendence

The body's natural opium. A natural pain killer. It works in the same parts of the brain as demerol, heroine & morphine.

• As labor progresses, naturally beta- endorphin levels rise, with peak levels being around the time she pushes the baby out
• Beta- endorphins activate the reward centre in the mothers brain; so this is nature's way of saying "well done". Brings feelings of "I can do anything"
• Brings mothers into the altered state of consciousness, peaceful feelings, joy, ecstasy, bliss
• This altered state of consciousness helps enact instinctive movements that will help their baby; communication and connection with baby
• Drugs and medication create separation between baby and mom and they no longer are working together, they become disempowered. When mom gets anesthetized, so does the baby.
• With an epidural, at the time of birth beta-endorphin levels are about 20% of that of a women after a natural birth; leaving a potential disconnect and lack of bond between mother and baby for an undetermined time

Prolactin: The hormone of tender mothering

Adapting the brain to optimally care for her young

• It has psycho-emotional effects. It gives the mother a sense of wanting to connect
• It helps the mother to prepare on many levels but ultimately to breastfeed her baby and to be calm and connected
• It brings feelings of contentment. Where she is not out looking for other forms of stimulation but satisfied to provide and care for her baby
• This is not just a feel good hormone but are actually for specie survival

[Information from ‘Healthy Happy Child: Holistic Approach’ by Sarah Kamrath]

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https://www.sarahkamrath.com/happy-healthy-child

If you would like a copy of this information in a PDF Handout format please send an email to kianaasherah@gmail.com

A Cesarean Birth Can Block the Natural Mother Child Bond

Due to the interruption of these natural hormones of birthing

Understanding the impact of the disruption of these hormones is valuable information if you are having or did have a c-section.  Knowledge is power because it brings awareness to the situation that biological factors took place within your body that you may be feeling. There is no need to hold guilt or shame for those feelings.

It may take extra dedication to build the bond with your child. After surgery do skin to skin with your baby as soon as possible, this will release oxytocins, helping with the connection. Talk to your doctor about starting skin to skin before even leaving the operation room.

Breastfeeding also helps with bonding as well as doing skin to skin as often as possible. Talk to your doula and care provider about other things you can do both before and after surgery.

Mindful Childbirth Education Classes

Sign up for Mindful Childbirth Education Classes with Doula Vonda to learn how to work with your body, your baby, and your partner to stay out of fight flight or freeze (fear), increase your chances of having a natural birth, while lowering the chances of interventions that increase the risk of a cesarean birth.  You can have the birth you desire by educating and empowering yourself.

Doula Vonda offers online classes over Zoom or in-person classes in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and areas. 

https://www.asherahbirth.com/child-birth-education