My birthing environment
Why does the birthing environment matter so much?
Your birthing environment has an important role in helping with the production of a hormone called oxytocin, commonly referred to as the hormone of love.
Oxytocin is naturally occurring and works alongside other hormones such as dopamine and serotonin. Together they cause a surge of positive emotion. Oxytocin also plays an integral role in childbirth and motherhood.
During labour, oxytocin is the stimulus to the powerful contractions that will help to thin and open the cervix and enable you to birth your baby.
Following birth, oxytocin also helps to return the uterus to its previous size, initiate milk production and encourages bonding between mother and baby.
Low levels of oxytocin during labour can cause contractions to stop or slow which may lead to the recommendation by your midwife or doctor to them suggesting another mode of birth.
However, there are many ways in which you can promote your body’s production of natural oxytocin including adapting your birthing environment.
How can I do this?
Temperature –
Your room may not have a thermostat and the ability to change the temperature. However it is important that you are comfortable, not too hot and not too cold.
Think about packing a handheld fan and your favourite blanket, or something that comforts you and reminds you of being safe and warm will also help to boost your oxytocin levels and other positive hormones.
Space to walk / move / change position
Mobilising (walking and moving into different positions) is important during labour, not only in terms of boosting your oxytocin but also to help your body through the physiological processes of labour.
If the bed happens to be the focal point of your birthing room, ask the midwife to move it to one side or change the bed it into a way that helps you to mobilise / better position yourself. This will help to create space for you to walk, move and dance through each contraction.
Sufficient pillows
If this is something that you think would make you feel more comfortable, bring one from home. Not only does this enhance your comfort it will also provide a sense of familiarity as it will be covered in your scent and will remind you of home.
Lighting
Low, adjustable lighting creates the most best birthing environment and our birth centre is able to offer this, we also have lamps in our obstetric units so we can try and create dimmer lighting if you wish.
This mood lighting helps to create a relaxing space, enabling the release of oxytocin. If you are labouring during the day, close the curtains or blinds in your room, turn the lights off or down and make use of any side lights or lamps available. You may also wish to bring battery operated candles that can be placed around your room.
Privacy
Whilst your midwife will work to the best of their ability to ensure your birthing room maintains your privacy and dignity at all times, other members of the team may occasionally knock at the door or enter to speak with yourself or your midwife. Creating a sign that can be placed on the door to politely remind the team to please knock gently and wait to be invited into the room can help to reduce unwanted disruptions to your space.
Snacks
Music
For those who enjoy listening to music, being able to hear your favourite songs playing in the background of your labour can help to both ground you and also boost your mood, your endorphins and your oxytocin levels. Alternatively, you may prefer something softer, such as a hypnobirthing track.
I encourage you to make it your own and personalise your experience as much as you can whether you are in a labour ward, birth centre or at home. Discuss with your birthing partner the different elements that are important to you.
Speak to your community midwife, as what is available in each birth setting will vary and they will be able to provide with the most accurate advice.