oxytocin {for the love of birth}
labour is a physical need, and like all physical needs, it has to be met. In the first room, the levels of oxytocin aren’t high enough to be pulling you to retreat. But in the second room, where the baby is now weighing heavily, active labour fires a circuit.
- Natalie Meddings
Did you know? Oxytocin is a hormone released by the pituitary gland that causes increased contraction of the uterus during labour and stimulates the ejection of milk into the ducts of the breasts.
I never came across this word, until my birth mentor, Natalie Meddings {how to have a baby} told me. Even someone giving you flowers or my husband massaging my neck is natural oxytocin. I did however manage to get daily massages from him though knowing he felt that it was helping me towards the preparation of my birth.
Closer towards my final weeks i was naturally making my nest, creating a space that allowed my body to assist the flow of oxytocin so once labour began it naturally fell into place smoothly. It was very important to choose a room at home where i felt more relaxed for instance the nursery room which was calm, peaceful and the feel of soft carpet in my bedroom, all these places that i thought i will move to whilst labouring at home through room 1, 2, 3, stages ….{how to have a baby by Natalie Meddings, or her free vlogs will explain all this in detail}
Keeping my nest more nurtured helped me have a relaxed oxytocin into my body, i did the following and even to this day {anytime in life} i still apply the same self care.
{finding comfort} I needed an area in my home that gave me more warmth, so I layered it up with some soft textured cushions, blankets and birth ball {which we borrowed from our gym, otherwise where would i keep this gigantic ball after ;}
{setting the mood} created that intimate ambience with my aromatherapy essential oils {lavender highly recommend through out} and natural candles.
{staying calm} weeks prior created calm zen meditation music on my spotify playlist, that I was listening to all throughout the pregnancy, so this same gentle music was what i used during my birth in hospital too so it allowed me to stay calm in my own space. I also had my own prayers and my hypo-birthing affirmations keeping me going mentally. I even rubbed some lavender essential oils {a must as it helps in all aspects of labour to relax and ease contractions} on my palms. I had one of those hand-made small lavender stuffed heart pillow that i inhaled in every contractions which helped me massively {lovely gift to give a mama friend}.
{my space} privacy is very important, away from bright lights and even my husband at times. This helped me focus my mental state of mind, knowing when I look around home or having eyes closed at all times knowing that this is what is giving me my inner strength to reconnect with my mind, body and soul.
Having all of the above, really helped my natural oxytocin levels to increase and helped ease the contractions even when they were becoming more powerful, I felt I had more control of myself.
Even to this day, I always make my nest as I feel it helps me uplift my moods and gives me some happy oxytocin.