everything you want to know about labor progression

When a mom is getting ready to have a baby, she has two things at the forefront of her mind… healthy baby/me and how in the world am I going to survive labor?

So let’s first understand what’s going on on the inside of mom.

If she is feeling safe, loved, comfortable, protected and support she will release a hormone called oxytocin. A quick google search will tell you that all release oxytocin when we give hugs, exercise, connecting, etc.. It’s nickname is the love hormone. Anyway, oxytocin is what makes the contractions happen and the cervix soften to open for baby to come out… which is the goal!

Do you remember learning about fight or flight school? When humans get scared and feel like they are in a dangerous situation, their brain will essentially shut off and produce adrenaline so that you have can zone in on the situation to fight or “fly away”. Now, when you’re in the hospital you probably won’t feel like you’re in danger, but here are some things to consider. When you’re in a bright room, beeping machines, monitoring, someone coming in every two hours, your team not present, nurses and doctors telling you what to do, etc. don’t really add up to feeling safe. I know being in a hospital might feel safe for you and I love that for you, but it might not feel safe for everyone.

When you stop progressing in labor, the nurses and doctors will probably give you Pitocin. About 30-40% of women are given Pitocin. It is administered through an IVs and is artificial oxytocin. Pitocin causes the contractions to hurt more and less breaks for mom. It definitely has a time and place, you can check out this article, but it shouldn’t be pushed on moms because their labor stopped progressing. It shouldn’t be the got to tool. Instead, maybe the hospital/your birthing team should try to help you release oxytocin before giving you the artificial ersion.

Here are some tools you can try instead of Pitocin

• laboring at home for as long as possible

• consider giving birth at a birthing center or at home

• dimming lights and bringing electric twinkle lights/candles

• essential oils like lavender and clary sage

• your husband there and present

• having a doula

• knowing that your birth team supports you

• a fun or relaxing playlist

• breathing techniques that you’ve already practiced

• moving positions

For the moms that have had Pitocin and felt like it was unnecessary, scary, pushed on you, whatever you may feel. I see you. There are other options besides Pitocin.

Let me know in the comments what you want to know more about!! Thanks for being here and come find me on Instagram!