Ways to Naturally boost Oxytocin !

When I look at this picture I think “look at all that oxytocin!”

Oxytocin is a hormone that plays a crucial role in the labor, birth and breastfeeeding. It's sometimes called the "love hormone" because it's released when we feel safe, loved and supported.

During labor, oxytocin is released by the pituitary gland in response to contractions. This hormone helps to stimulate the uterus and facilitate the progression of labor. It also plays a key role in the bonding process between a mother and her baby, and can help promote feelings of relaxation and well-being during childbirth.

There are several ways to naturally boost your oxytocin levels during labor:

1. Creating a calming atmosphere for your birth is essential for the release of oxytocin! If you are giving birth in a hospital I always try to transform the room from a hospital room into a birthing sanctuary. How do I do this? First thing, I turn off the bright hospital lights. I bring LED candles and twinkle lights, put on soothing music, encourage mom to wear her own clothing, and I suggest she bring comfort items like pictures of loved ones or pets. This is your birthing space!

2. Using Massage Techniques absolutely encourages the release of oxytocin! Hands-on labor support makes a big difference in not only helping mom feel come confident in labor but also helping her labor to progress. There are several different massage techniques that you can learn for labor, but as labor progresses moms usually appreciate a lot of lower back counter pressure. (look up double hip squeezes).

3. Visualizations and Meditations! Our nervous systems and hormones react to the thoughts in our minds. If adrenaline is running through your system because you are scared or anxious then it's harder for oxytocin to effectively be released. Practicing visualizations and meditations in pregnancy can help you have these tools in labor. There is a great app called Expectful which is filled with pregnancy and birth meditations .

4. Having a Supportive Team! You need to be surrounded by people who make you feel seen and heard and safe!!!!! This is so so so important! I cannot stress this enough. If I have a client who does not feel comfortable with her doctor or midwife during pregnancy I very much encourage them to switch because having an open trusting relationship is key to be able to surrender to the labor process. There are so many amazing midwives and OBGYN and I truly think there is the right match for everyone, sometimes you have to really search, but they are there! Also hire a doula. A big part of a doulas job is to help make your birth experience as positive as possible by creating a calm, safe environment for you and your partner.

5.Skin-to-skin contact with your baby after birth can help stimulate the release of oxytocin and promote bonding. Breastfeeding can also help to increase oxytocin levels and promote milk letdown.

The most important thing is to trust your body!