The Magic of Oxytocin

You may have already heard about the hormone oxytocin as it is immensely relevant in pregnancy, birth and motherhood, I will go onto explain more. However, even if you haven’t heard of it, you will certainly have experienced it!

It is the heady sensation experienced during moments of intimacy, the calmness associated with being held or touched, we can experience a wave of oxytocin when enjoying food or treats and even when cuddling animals we produce this power hormone.

Oxytocin, often referred to as the "love hormone," plays a crucial role in promoting bonding, trust, and social connection. This hormone fosters feelings of love, empathy, and happiness, contributing to strong emotional connections with others, and it can even promote a sense of security and social comfort when released in group settings.

It is the hormone which acts on smooth muscle to create labour contractions. It also plays a vital role in maternal bonding, helping new mothers form an attachment to their babies and is vital as part of the breast-feeding journey.

Beyond its emotional benefits, oxytocin helps reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels, this is vital for labour progress and there are many factors which influence your production during this time – I will blog about birth environment next time as this is relevant. Oxytocin is produced during touch, and this is associated with a ‘higher pain threshold’ (Uvnas Moberg, 2011).

Oxytocin is thought to influence fetal brain development by promoting the growth of neural circuits involved in social bonding, emotional regulation, and stress management. It is believed that a pregnant woman's oxytocin levels help regulate the in-utero environment, fostering an atmosphere that supports healthy brain formation. Research also suggests that oxytocin may contribute to the early development of key areas of the brain responsible for social behaviour and attachment.

My hope is this information helps you to consider bonding with your baby during pregnancy, not only is this important for the obvious reasons but now consider the impact this bonding can have on your baby’s brain development – I know mind blown!

In a nutshell this hormone is important for you during pregnancy and motherhood because of its effect on bonding and your baby’s brain development, its impact on labour progress (all 3 stages), using massage and touch during labour will increase your oxytocin levels and support you to cope with the sensations and when your baby is ready to breast-feed this hormone will serve you both.

Let’s get practical

·       If you are currently pregnant start to cultivate moments to bond with your baby, join my mailing list for a free download to support this – it includes a breath practice useful for labour too.

·       Start to talk to your baby, read them stories, play music and involve your partner and other children.

·       Join thecelestialmidwife.com pregnancy circle and harness the power of a group connection

·       Have your birth partner learn some gentle massage techniques, practice these and use them in labour. Maintain the calm, privacy for the birth of your placenta as you did for the baby to keep oxytocin flowing.

·       At birth place your baby skin to skin for as long and as much as possible, as soon as possible, offer their first feed this way no matter on your feeding preference – add these to your birth preferences.

Happy Valentines Day and as always, I am here for any support and guidance you may need, just reach out.