what does oxytocin do in labour?

Oxytocin is often called the love hormone. And it’s the hormone responsible for getting your uterus into action to dilate your cervix and push your baby out.

Picotin, which is the drug used in inductions, is a ‘fake’ version of oxytocin - that’s how key it is to giving birth!

The more oxytocin you have, the more productive and stronger your surges or contractions are. It also produces a bit of a ‘spacey’ feeling which can distort your sense of time, helps you relax and can make you feel euphoric.

It also helps you to bond with your baby and establish breast feeding once your baby is born. So it’s still super important if you’re having a C section!

So how can you encourage the production of oxytocin?

• Look at things that spark feelings of love (think - wedding photos or the baby gro you’re bringing baby home in)

• Set up your birth environment as dark, cosy and unobserved - candles or fairy lights, reassuring smells or textures (pillows from home) and minimizing chat or interruptions from any care providers

• Massage or physical touch from your partner