Babies are born with innate and instinctive survival behaviours which are intended to ensure we survive and eventually reproduce so that, in turn, our species survives. During labour and birth this survival behaviour is especially important to ensure a healthy baby is born, that its birth is as untraumatic as possible and that giving birth is, not just physically possible but also rewarding so that we are happy to reproduce again. The birth process is governed by a delicate balance of hormones which are designed to promote safety and encourage successful outcomes. Hypnobirthing is about preparing for childbirth, understanding how these hormones can hinder, or promote, normal birth and learning how to relax to allow the body’s normal physiological response to labour to work. It also teaches how fear that causes tension prevents this normal process working and how this fear can be removed. The three main hormones involved are oxytocin, catecholamines and endorphins.

Oxytocin is a very important hormone for labour. It has often been referred to as the hormone of love. It is released from the posterior pituitary gland in response to stimulation of the reproductive areas including the vagina, cervix and nipples. In labour it causes the uterus to contract and maintains the progress of labour. As the baby moves down against the vagina and pelvic floor more oxytocin is released. Even more is released as the baby crowns and the perineal tissues are stretched. This final surge initiates the separation of the placenta.

After birth oxytocin is released during breastfeeding. This causes the uterus to contract aiding its return to a pre-pregnant condition. It also raises the mum’s temperature so that the baby stays warm when next to her skin and it induces maternal, nurturing behaviour.

Fear or anxiety can inhibit oxytocin production resulting in a slowing of labour, slow dilatation of the cervix and a prolonged second stage.

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