Three Reasons to Get Romantic During Labor

In honor of Valentine’s Day, here are three reasons to bring the romance into the labor room!  Get Romantic and bring back the spiritual birth experience.

#1: Setting the Mood.

Most women in the throes of labor crave darkness and quiet. Think candles, soft music, and minimal distractions. This kind of comforting environment allows a woman to be raw and open to the changes in her body. The journey into motherhood is a sacred, spiritual, and deeply emotional experience. A woman needs not be rushed, startled, or directed during this process. Much like the acts of love that lay the seeds for the growth of this baby, a woman can only let go when she feels respected, supported, and secure.

#2: Listening to Your Body.

Also known as the hormone of love, oxytocin is the hormone your body produces during romantic attachment, sexual activity, and orgasm. Oxytocin is nature’s version of cupids arrow! Around week 38 in pregnancy your body gains a multitude of oxytocin receptors in the uterus. Oxytocin is released at the start of labor, stimulating your uterus to contract. It continues to be released in pulses throughout labor and even after, helping your uterus to shrink back to size. Each time that you breastfeed your baby oxytocin is released, strengthening the birth bond and creating a rush of loving feelings. This hormone is the reason so many mothers report feeling ecstatic, even orgasmic, during and after the birth of their baby.

#3: Moving Things Along.

Ever hear about eating pineapples to induce labor? While this has not been scientifically proven, the theory is that pineapple will stimulate prostaglandins, which help ripen the cervix, helping it prepare for birth. Do you know what else has natural prostaglandins? Semen! If you are in a slow, early labor, having sex may be the perfect way to move things along. While you’re at it, have an orgasm and cuddle after, the perfect combination of love hormones and feelings of security and comfort to help bring your baby earthside.

Are you planning your journey into motherhood? Let’s talk!
Home birth midwifery care and mindfulness-based childbirth classes help bring spirituality back to birth.

PHOTO CREDIT: HEARTLOVE PHOTOGRAPHY