all about oxytocin - labor + birth
Let’s talk about oxytocin - the hormone of love, sex, and bonding that plays a key role in labor, birth, and lactation. As mammals, our bodies are fabulously well-equipped to give birth. When given the opportunity, there are biological mechanisms in place that are meant to make birth a positive experience. Think about it - if labor was designed to be unpleasant, we wouldn’t have made it this far as a species.
HOW IT WORKS
Oxytocin is produced and stored in the brain. When certain nerves are activated, oxytocin is released into the bloodstream. These nerves can be in your cervix (as baby’s head puts pressure on it), genitals, or nipples. Once the oxytocin reaches the uterus, it binds to receptors and causes the uterine muscles to contract. This in turn stimulates more nerves and sends a message to your brain to release more oxytocin into the bloodstream, creating a positive feedback loop. Oxytocin is also simultaneously released in the brain which activates the pleasure and reward centers. This is what makes mammals want to give birth again!
There is no easy way to know how many receptors are present at any given time, unfortunately. In the days and even hours leading up to birth the number of oxytocin receptors in the uterus can increase dramatically, peaking at the onset of labor. Even if you are producing huge amounts of oxytocin (or receiving high doses of pitocin), if the receptors aren’t there, it will have minimal effect. When the right amount of receptors are available and oxytocin is present, the uterus will begin to contract. The uterine contractions send a signal to the brain to produce more oxytocin thereby creating a positive feedback loop.
Oxytocin is best released when you are in a place and mindset where you feel safe and unobserved during labor. Below are some simple ways to increase your natural oxytocin levels.
Nipple stimulation. Oxytocin is released when the nerves in the nipple are stimulated. More on this in an upcoming blog post.
Genital stimulation. Sex and masturbation can do a whole lot for you during labor. Not only is oxytocin released during intercourse and masturbation, but semen contains prostaglandins that help ripen the cervix. Please refrain from vaginal sex if your water has broken to reduce risk of infection.
Really any intimacy at all. Kissing, hugging, and even hand holding can be enough to release oxytocin. Have your partner just hold you. If you can be skin-to-skin, even better!
Massage. Especially a soft massage of the ears.
Slow dancing. Again, holding your partner close while you sway your hips is a great way to release oxytocin - and help your baby to navigate your pelvis! You can add privacy by draping a light scarf or blanket over your heads.
Eye contact. Locking eyes with someone like your partner, doula, or another trusted individual increases oxytocin. Bonus - it also decreases levels of the stress hormone cortisol!
Dim lighting. Oxytocin levels rise at night. Keep your birthing space dim and as free of LED lights as possible, especially if you are trying to sleep or rest.
Sucking on an ice cube, lollipop, or your thumb. This helps activate your parasympathetic nervous system, otherwise known as “rest and digest,” which decreases levels of oxytocin-blocking adrenaline.
Laughing. How often have you heard that laughter is medicinal? Not only does it release oxytocin but it relaxes your throat - which also relaxes the birth canal.
Petting your dog or cat. As with eye contact, petting and snuggling with your dog or cat releases oxytocin and also decreases cortisol levels.
While this system works best during undisturbed physiological birth, many people giving birth in a hospital setting will experience medical interventions that can affect the oxytocin mechanism. An upcoming blog post will dive into how you can mitigate the effects of some common interventions.
