02/28/2026
This is birth.
One moment you’re laughing with your midwife… the next you’re roaring through a contraction (not pictured 😉).
This mama worked hard to bring her baby earthside but tucked between the intensity were moments of joy. And those moments aren’t random… they’re physiologic.
Oxytocin, often called the “love hormone”, is the primary hormone of labor. It’s responsible for those beautiful, powerful uterine contractions. It’s also released with laughter, touch, connection, and feeling safe.
Adrenaline, on the other hand, is our fight-or-flight hormone. Helpful if we’re running from danger… not as helpful when we’re trying to open and birth a baby.
When oxytocin flows more freely than adrenaline, labor tends to unfold more smoothly. This is why environment, support, safety, and even laughter matter so much in birth.
Birth can be intense and joyful, sometimes in the very same minute.
What helped you boost your oxytocin during labor? ✨
