As my background is nursing, the aspect of Hypnobirthing that appeals most to me is that scientifically, Hypnobirthing makes sense. Even though the name makes it seem like the techniques might involve a bit of voodoo, the program is founded on common physiological knowledge and evidence based practice. I believe that once you understand the very basics of how the hormones your body produces naturally enable you to experience beautiful birth that will leave you feeling euphoric and empowered, you will be convinced that Hypnobirthing is a program that is worth investigating!
The primary hormones involved in birth are oxytocin, catecholamines, prolactin, and beta endorphins.
Oxytocin is the hormone that causes the uterus to contract, producing surges. Oxytocin is present throughout pregnancy but shortly before your body is ready to begin birthing, your uterus develops thousands of oxytocin receptors. When the oxytocin present in your bloodstream bonds with these receptors, birthing begins. The level of oxytocin increases throughout labour and is highest at the time of birth, contributing to the sense of elation that you feel when you deliver your baby into the world. Once your baby is born, the high levels of oxytocin also ensure that your uterus continues to contract, delivering your placenta and reducing the risk of bleeding.
It is important to recognise that synthetic oxytocin given during inductions or when surges are deemed to be inefficient, may not be effective because if your uterus has not developed the essential receptors then there is nothing for this drug to bond too; if your baby is not ready to be born then all the synthetic oxytocin in the world will not bring about labour. Additionally, synthetic oxytocin does not cross the blood brain barrier so does not produce the same post birth high that naturally occurring oxytocin does.
Catecholamines, including adrenaline, help you summon the final burst of energy that is necessary to birth your baby. Just prior to the release of the catecholamines, you may feel that you need to rest and you may experience a moment of doubt. But just as your body knew exactly how to grow a baby, your body knows how to deliver a baby. Without you realising it, your adrenaline levels rise, you will feel the need to switch from surge breathing to breathing down, and it won’t be long before you are holding your baby in your arms.
Prolactin is the hormone primarily responsible for breast milk synthesis. Prolactin works through a positive feedback loop; when your newborn baby suckles at your breast, prolactin is produced, the presence of the hormone in your bloodstream causes your mammary glands to contact, milk let down occurs, and the continued suckling causes prolactin to continue to be released. Like oxytocin, prolactin also has an effect on your emotion and behaviour. By increasing submissiveness, anxiety and vigilance, prolactin encourages a selfless devotion to your baby. Essentially it turns you into a mother.
Beta-endorphins help to relieve pain. Interestingly, very high levels of beta-endorphins can slow labour by reducing oxytocin levels helping to decrease the intensity of labour according to your individual ability to cope with surges. Similarly to oxytocin, beta-endorphins induce the feeling of euphoria and as the hormones present in your bloodstream are also present in your baby’s bloodstream, these hormones ensure both mother and baby are ecstatic and ready to bond.
Together these hormones prime you to have a perfect, natural birth. And by using the relaxation and meditation techniques of Hypnobirthing you are able to take full advantage of the way these hormones work with you and with your baby. By permitting your body do what it was born to do, you will deliver your baby successfully and begin motherhood feeling positive and full of love.