How to keep labor progressing with oxytocin
You’re probably familiar with dilation as a sign of how your body is progressing through labor. What you may not know is that the baby’s position in the pelvis and the flow of your hormones during labor also play a big role in how soon you will meet your baby!
Oxytocin is a naturally occurring hormone in your body that is released during labor to produce strong, frequent contractions. It’s a key factor in keeping labor going. Your body also releases oxytocin during breastfeeding and physical touch.
The problem is, when you’re stressed, afraid, or feel unsafe, your body stops releasing oxytocin. Instead, your brain responds to fear by releasing adrenalin. Adrenalin tells your body that you need to find a safe place to have your baby. It pumps blood to the limbs (away from the uterus), and causes the cervix to tighten instead of dilate.
So what happens when you’re tense, afraid, or feeling unsafe in labor? Labor slows down, you feel more pain, and you have reduced oxygen and blood flow to the uterus for productive contractions! Keeping oxytocin flowing helps you to feel better and keep your labor progressing. Here are four ways to help your body release oxytocin during labor:
Four ways to help your body release oxytocin during labor
1. Relaxation
In early labor, resist the urge to “walk the baby out,” time contractions, or rush to the hospital. This is the time to rest while you can! Rest in bed, eat, watch a TV show, or do another low-key activity. Use breathing techniques and relaxation exercises to stay calm. Practicing relaxation techniques before labor can help you calm your body and mind more easily and quickly when the time comes.
2. Physical touch
If you have a partner who is with you during labor, they can help you release oxytocin by cuddling, kissing, stimulating the nipples or clitoris, slow dancing, or giving you a massage. This is another reason it’s great to stay home as long as possible, so you have more comfort and privacy for time together.
3. Calm environment
Feeling safe in your environment is a huge factor in your stress levels. Use comfortable lighting, relaxing music, or an oil diffuser to make your environment as peaceful and possible.
The tension in your environment can also come from the people around you. If labor has stalled and you have an anxious partner or family member, invite them to take a break so you can relax. Feeling “watched” can increase your stress and stop oxytocin release as well.
4. Continuous support
You may not be able to control everything in your environment, or even who your care provider is during labor. Having a doula or friend who is attuned to your needs and will stay by your side throughout labor helps you to stay relaxed and focused.
A support person can help you remember to drink, eat, and use the bathroom, bring you cool washcloths, and notice when tension is increasing in the room. As she takes care of these stressors for you, you can relax and breathe through contractions.
Increasing oxytocin flow (and reducing stress hormones) is just one way you can work together with your body for a calmer, more positive birthing experience.
Learn more about support with a birth doula
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