OXYTOCIN

It's known as the love hormone. We produce it when we feel good, connected, happy, warm, safe. When we orgasm, when we give birth, when we bond with our babies.

In pregnancy and labour a whole fascinating cocktail of hormones work together to enable birth to unfold. Oxytocin builds and builds in the body until the baby is born, and then switches up its role to support lactation.

Some lovely ways to nurture the flow of oxytocin in late pregnancy and early labour include:

• connecting with your partner and the people you love

• eating delicious food

• having a massage or a cuddle

• watching some comedy

• moving however feels good, dance, do some yoga, have a gentle walk

• soaking in the bath

• repetitive, mindful tasks that help you clear your thoughts.

• avoiding stress, interruption and intervention

If you want to learn more about hormones and birth, a great place to start is this episode of The Midwives Cauldron podcast with Dr Sarah Buckley.. I found it SO amazing, and I'm sure you will too. Go listen!