The Power of Vulnerability And How Safety and Support Promote Oxytocin During Childbirth
- Feb 2, 2025
- 4 min read
Anne Wallen is a respected figure in women’s health with over 30 years of experience and is a leading voice on global change in maternity care, particularly for those at greatest risk.
Childbirth is a profound and transformative experience, but let’s face it, bringing a new human into the world can feel a little (or a lot!) overwhelming. As moms-to-be embark on this monumental journey, the body’s natural hormones play a starring role in keeping the process moving smoothly. One of the MVPs of labor hormones is oxytocin, often nicknamed the “love hormone.”
Oxytocin is a chemical multitasker. It is the same hormone that surges when we hug someone we love, breastfeed our babies, or even share a good laugh. During labor, oxytocin is essential for stimulating uterine contractions, which are necessary for the cervix to dilate and for the baby to be born. It also helps create feelings of connection, trust, and calm, a critical combination for the intense physical and emotional demands of childbirth.
But here is the thing. Oxytocin thrives in an environment of safety and trust. If a laboring mom feels scared, stressed, or unsupported, her body may produce more of another hormone: adrenaline. Adrenaline, often called the "fight or flight" hormone, can inhibit the production of oxytocin. This hormonal tug-of-war can slow down labor, making it longer, more uncomfortable, and potentially more difficult.
So, how do we help moms feel safe and supported in such a vulnerable moment? Enter the doula, a childbirth superhero whose mission is to nurture, advocate for, and create a sense of calm during labor.
The role of vulnerability and safety in oxytocin production
Let’s talk about vulnerability. Labor is inherently vulnerable. It is raw, powerful, and unpredictable. It requires a mom to surrender to the process and trust her body. But feeling vulnerable can be scary unless there is a foundation of safety.
When a laboring mom feels safe, both physically and emotionally, her brain interprets that safety as a green light to produce oxytocin. This sense of security can come from a trusted medical provider, a comforting partner, or, often, a skilled doula like those trained and certified by MaternityWise International. Safety allows a mom to let go of the tension and fear that could otherwise stall labor.
How doulas foster safety during labor
Doulas are trained professionals who support mothers emotionally, physically, and informationally throughout childbirth. While they are not medical providers, meaning they are not the ones delivering your baby or monitoring your vitals, their contributions to labor progress are profound.
How doulas help create a sense of safety and promote oxytocin
1. Emotional support
A doula’s calm, compassionate presence reassures a mom during the highs and lows of labor. They offer encouragement, remind her of her strength, and validate her feelings. This emotional connection signals to the brain that she is not alone, a key trigger for oxytocin release.
2. Physical comfort measures
Doulas use techniques like massage, counterpressure, and position changes to help ease pain and discomfort. These techniques not only make labor more bearable but also promote relaxation. When the body feels relaxed, the brain feels safe, allowing oxytocin to flow more freely.
Doulas trained and certified by MaternityWise International also have advanced skills through the EpiDoula Program, which teaches them how to support a birthing body when an epidural is used. This is crucial because being immobilized can lead to adverse events and a higher risk of additional interventions, including cesarean delivery.
3. Education and preparation
Doulas help families prepare for labor and, if necessary, facilitate communication between the laboring mom and the medical team. They help her understand her options, nonjudgmentally support her preferences, and ensure her voice is heard. Feeling informed and empowered reduces fear, another factor that helps oxytocin flourish.
4. Creating a calm environment
Dim lighting, soothing music, and a quiet atmosphere can all help set the stage for oxytocin production. Doulas are experts at creating a birthing space that feels like a sanctuary, encouraging the body to do its work naturally.
Vulnerability is strength
It is important to remember that vulnerability during childbirth is not a weakness; it is a strength. Allowing yourself to lean into the process, let go, and trust is what helps labor progress. When a doula is by your side, you have a trusted partner to help you feel safe in that vulnerability.
By fostering safety, calm, and connection, doulas create the perfect conditions for oxytocin to work its magic. When labor progresses naturally, moms often feel more empowered, and the journey into motherhood begins with a sense of strength and trust in their bodies.
So if you are gearing up for childbirth, consider welcoming a certified doula onto your team. They are not just birth support; they are oxytocin cheerleaders, safety champions, and your ultimate guide to embracing the power of vulnerability.
If you are interested in becoming a professional doula, take a look at MaternityWise International for certifications in all aspects of maternal care, including Labor Doula, Postpartum Doula, Lactation Support, Childbirth Educator, and Infant Sleep Specialist. Their business and mentoring programs are unmatched, and they offer affordable pricing with payment plans for those who need them.
Anne Wallen, Director and Founder of MaternityWise Intl
Anne Wallen is a respected figure in women’s health with over 30 years of experience and is a leading voice on global change in maternity care, particularly for those at greatest risk. She continues to educate and empower birth professionals in more than 20 countries, contribute to a variety of curriculums, and shape the future of maternal health through her impactful role as a speaker and mentor. Anne is the Director and co-founder of MaternityWise International, and her legacy lies in inspiring generational changes around and elevating women's healthcare worldwide.
