Category Archives: labor

5 Tips for Boosting Love Hormones + Reducing Labor Pain

Think for a moment about how your body responds when you’re stressed or tense. Everything is affected, right? Everything from the depth of your breath, to the tightness your body holds. Now imagine being folded up in the arms of someone you love, and whom you love in return. Everything softens.

Ahhhh. So it goes with labor, too.

IMG_0542“When we bring more love to any situation, many of the rough edges disappear,” says Debra Pascali-Bonaro, a gentle childbirth advocate, doula, author and filmmaker. Read her fantastic article about reducing pain with oxytocin.

The most miraculous hormone to call upon when you’re laboring is oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone.” It’s the hormone released during sex, when you’re nursing, and yes!, when you’re in a safe, supported laboring groove. Oxytocin is your natural pain reliever. It’s excellent stuff. And nothing but your very own body can make it as perfectly as you do.

Consider these 5 tips for boosting your oxytocin level during labor and birth. Continue reading →

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Favorite Birthing Mantras & Affirmations

It’s no secret that birthing our babies takes a lot of (totally doable!) hard work. One technique to help you slip into a deeper state of relaxation during labor is the act of repeating a mantra or affirmation silently or aloud.

It could be something as simple as the words, “Let go” or “Peace” — or anything else that calms your spirit or helps you feel empowered. Share your favorite birth mantra in comments section below!

Breathe artwork by “SimplyShari“

If you’re pregnant, now’s the perfect time to choose your birthing mantra. Repeat it silently to yourself when at prenatal yoga, in meditation, while driving, while falling asleep. Breathe deeply into your belly and baby, bringing the truth of these words into your body and heart.

When it comes time to birth your baby, your chosen word or phrase will quickly bring you to a calm, relaxed place. You may keep these words private or tell your birthing partner and/or doula so they can remind you of them during labor.

Here are a few ideas to get you started: 

  • “Trust” or “I trust my body.”
  • “Relax, release, let go”
  • “Soft, open and down”
  • “Peace” or “I am peaceful.”
  • “Open”

You can do this, mamas!

Want more inspiration? Check out Birth Without Fear’s compilation of positive quotes about birth. You may just want to draw one up to post on the wall of your birthing room!

Love,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

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