🍸 Our body creates a beautiful cocktail of hormones whilst labouring. 🍸⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Oxcytocin is such a fundamental hormone in birth. Oxcytocin is heavily involved in human reproduction and breastfeeding; it stimulates the release of eggs from the ovaries; aids in the transportation of sperm; creates uterine contractions and initiates the 'let-down' reflex for breastfeeding🤱. It is released in high levels during labour.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Oxytocin is stimulated by love, hugs, touch, dim lights, privacy and is responsible for the contraction of the uterine muscles. If oxytocin isn’t present, the birth process can be more challenging. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Of course it’s not just oxytocin that plays a vital part in labour. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ❣️Melatonin works well in dim lights, privacy, warmth and makes you feel very relaxed. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ❣️Endorphins (athletes will be familiar with an endorphin high after a physical activity). Birth is by its nature a very physical activity and women in labour often experience a higher level of endorphins so the sensations feel more tolerable to them. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ❣️Adrenaline: an increase in this hormone can counteract the effect of oxytocin. Adrenaline can cause labour to slow down. This is why in first time Mums midwives usually encourage the couples to stay at home for as long as possible. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ❣️Relaxin loosens the ligaments in the uterus and allows the body to become more stretchy and elastic. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ❣️Prolactin helps ya produce milk for our baby after birth. Oxytocin receptors are present in a woman’s milk ducts. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ When we mess with birth, we mess with oxytocin.
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