How the Mind-Body Connection Affects Your Birth

I would love to talk a little bit about the mind-body connection during childbirth and how as your doula I can use this connection to support your best birth. In this post I will talk a little bit about a few of the essential hormones needed during childbirth and how we can both encourage and understand them: 

Oxytocin: is the “love” hormone and it is also the hormone needed to produce contractions.

Endorphins: interact with the opiate receptors in the brain to reduce our perception of pain

Melatonin: is the sleep hormone but has been found to enhance oxytocin (ever wonder why so many babies are born at night? Here is a great article on that!)

Adrenaline: causes a surge of energy allowing for several very strong contractions to help deliver a baby, it also makes you feel shaky.

My approach to doula support is one that honors the mind-body connection. But not in an extra crunchy hippy sort of way, more in an evidence-based scientific sort of way. When you are in a relaxed, safe, and comfortable place, your body will release all of the wonderful hormones that are needed to move your labor and delivery along. It is also true that when you are feeling fearful, anxious, and unsafe you can effectively block the hormones needed for birth and replace them with your “fight or flight” hormones, slowing down and even stalling your own labor. At the risk of comparing us (birthing individuals) to cats... If you look at animals in the wild, you will see evidence of them slowing down or stopping their labor until they are at a safe place to give birth. We as humans are no different. This often-overlooked aspect of birth is one that is at the core of my labor support. 

One way I support the mind-body connection is by utilizing breathing techniques to slow things down and engage your vagus nerve to turn off, or at least turn down, your “fight or flight” hormones. Deep belly breathing is just one of several breathing techniques I use during labor. You can read more about the connection between breath work and your vagus nerve in this recent article in Psychology Today. I also use soothing words or music, along with dim lights to help you focus on slowing down and feeling relaxed, allowing you to produce all of those good “birthy” hormones including melatonin.

Providing information is a key part of the mind-body connection. Knowledge is power and I find that almost everyone feels more comfortable when they know what is going on both around them and within them. I provide valuable information about what may be happening throughout each phase of labor. For example, some hormones like adrenaline mimic the feelings of anxiety, and even though it is an essential hormone during labor, if you have a history of anxiety the sensation that adrenaline produces may be very scary if you do not know what is causing the feelings you may be experiencing.  I also explain in greater detail what your nurses and care providers may be talking about, so that you feel informed and confident throughout your birth. I provide you with enough information that you are able to give informed consent or refusal should you choose. This allows you to recognize yourself as an active participant in your birth rather than a passenger on a ride you know nothing about, because let’s be honest, that is a scary feeling. I help create space for you to talk through and process both your decisions and your emotions throughout your birth.

Physical touch is another important part of the mind-body connection. Did you know that they have done studies that show the simple act of holding hands with your loved one or your emotional support person (birth doula) can reduce your feeling of pain considerably? Here is a great article in Science Daily that talks more about this if you are interested. I worked in a spa for ten years prior to my work as a doula and have a lot of knowledge about specific massage techniques and targeted touch to help release the tension in your body, which will help you feel relaxed and supported, thereby encouraging your production of oxytocin and endorphins.

All of these things together honor the mind-body connection during labor and delivery and help set the stage for a shorter and more enjoyable birth experience. Being a doula for me is recognizing that every experience in life has the potential to be scary or traumatic if you do not have a voice, a choice, or support. Birth is no different. As someone who has extensive experience supporting those who have experienced trauma in the past, I know that it is easier to set yourself up for a successful and enjoyable experience than it is to work on healing the aftermath of a difficult one. I also know that when you feel safe, supported, and cared for your body is more likely to produce the hormones needed for your birth. To take the common doula affirmation “all you have to do is breathe” one step further, all you have to do is breathe, but it is my job to show you how and help you understand why.