why do I need endorphins in labour?

Endoprhins are our natural pain killers. They are about 200 times stronger than morphine and reduce our perception of pain.

If you’ve ever done vigorous exercise and had a ‘runners high’ - that’s your endorphins kicking in!

Endorphins work with oxytocin to produce a unique cocktail of hormones to help you birth your baby.

Your endorphin levels will continue to build throughout labour, particularly in the pushing phase.

So how can you encourage the production of endorphins?

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

Using breathing techniques to stay calm - panicking (and the stress hormones that are released) can limit the production of endorphins.