The Final Days: Preparing for Labour the Oxytocin Way

So we want to be building a really oxytocin-rich environment and space and time.

So the first thing that you can do is reflect on positive memories.

So think about spending some time to look through cherished photos, memories, and what thoughts and feelings arise as you visit these moments.

You may also want to plan movie nights.

Think about what your favorite films are, your, the, your favorite comedy, the things that make you and your partner laugh, or maybe a series that you just absolutely love.

Remember, what we want to do is spark things in our brains that's going to release that oxytocin and release that dopamine and put us in a really positive position.

Dancing and movement is another real good one.

It's such a feel-good thing.

So think about the music that makes you feel really good.

Like, how can you move your body and really just lean into that and just let go and just enjoy? That is a really good way to get yourself in a really feel-good zone.

Leading on from that, intimacy and pleasure.

Now, of course, you would have heard the rumors, the myths about having sex and how this can bring on labor.

Whilst there is some truth in, in this related to semen, has prostaglandins, it can help soften your cervix, what we really are trying to get to here is the feel-good pleasure of releasing oxytocin because oxytocin is present during sex and intimacy, just as it is present during birth and the birth of your baby and the golden hour afterwards.

So we want to raise the levels of oxytocin.

So intimacy and pleasure is a really good way to do this.

Also, hugging, kissing if you don't want to be intimate, cuddling, just being close with your partner or friends or family really will enhance your mood and sense of connection.

So really try and lean into this as well.

If you're not feeling it, maybe you would just don't want to be around people and you want to spend time alone, really honor this as well.