Keeping Oxytocin Flowing In Labor
I've already discussed the role Oxytocin plays in labor and birth, and how to stimulate it's production in pregnancy. Today I'm going to give you some ideas to keep it flowing once labor has already begun.
It's important to remember that Oxytocin is a hormone your body naturally produces, and is what kick starts your labor and keeps the contractions flowing. A pause in labor or a long first stage is not necessarily indicative of low oxytocin flow however, and is often caused by a malpositoned baby, a mother that needs rest, or a body that just isn't quite ready. Frequently, mothers are given pitocin in this situation, which is a synthetic form of oxytocin, and is used to make contractions stronger and more frequent. While pitocin can be effective and is certainly needed in some situations, there are also some side effects, so if there isn't an immediate medical need for you to use it, it may be worth considering an alternative route for your labor. Time and some oxytocin boost on your own may be just what you need to get your labor going, and get your baby out!
Here are my 5 favorite ways to get oxytocin flowing in labor:
#1 Stay Calm- This one might seem obvious, but labor can be a little overwhelming, especially if it's your first time, and stressing yourself out is not good for oxytocin flow. Often times, the first sign of labor gets everyone excited. You may begin (or be encouraged to begin) walking, timing every contraction, and trying just about everything to speed up the process. While I can certainly understand the excitement and desire to get contractions over with ASAP (I've been there!), do your best to just relax. Rest, eat, catch up on some chores, or watch a TV show. If your body isn't ready for active labor yet, all you're going to do is wear yourself out, and likely become discouraged. Save all that energy and concentration for when things really get moving!
#2 Positive Touch- Kissing, cuddling, massaging, and even sex or clitoral stimulation (go with the latter if your membranes have ruptured) are all great to get oxytocin flowing in labor. Nipple stimulation (gently twisting and/or rolling) can also be quite helpful. Slow dancing is really great too, as it offers positive touch, movement, and a loving connection with your partner.
#3 Peaceful Environment- Creating a peaceful environment to birth in can be really helpful in keeping stress low and oxytocin high in labor. This is especially true in a hospital setting, where the environment is often sterile, and somewhat intimidating. Having familiar and comfortable objects, low lighting, and music you enjoy can all help lend to a more calm setting. Also, keeping the room free from unwanted distractions and free of people you don't feel comfortable with (think an over eager family member) can be quite beneficial.
#4 Find Support- Having someone with you that can stay tuned into your needs and provide you with comfort without you having to ask is beneficial to keeping stress at bay and oxytocin in the spotlight. If you are constantly having to ask for a drink, contraction support, or cool wash cloths, you'll be distracted from labor. Worse yet, you may be intimidated to ask for things or too focused on contractions, and have to go without. This person can be your partner, mother, doula, a good friend or any combination of those. Additionally, having someone care for you feels good, and if you feel good oxytocin is flowing!
#5 Have Control-So many women feel out of control of the decisions made for them in labor. Take control and make the decisions for yourself. Educating yourself on standard procedures, complications, and options in labor are key to making choices you feel in control of. Creating a birth plan can help keep your thoughts straight on what your wishes are, so you and your care providers can reference it during labor when your memory may be fuzzy or your thoughts a bit distracted. If an intervention is suggested, take time to discuss your options and remember that you do have the right to say no. Don't feel pressured to allow a procedure you're not comfortable with. If a complication does arise that forces you to accept a procedure you didn't want or didn't plan on, speak up and discuss what you can do to make the procedure as comfortable as possible for you. Feeling out of control can really slow the flow of oxytocin and can create a huge amount of stress for the laboring mom. It also often leaves the mother pretty dissatisfied with her birthing experience, and that should never be the case!
Using these tips can help you to have a more positive, less complicated, and an overall more enjoyable birth. Oxytocin doesn't just make labor progress, it makes the birthing mother feel good, and that is always a good thing!