By Dr. Tehseen Meghji, BSc., ND, Birth Doula and Childbirth Educator
Endorphins are the body’s natural pain reducing hormones. Did you know that they can be stronger than morphine in reducing pain? Every labour contraction causes a release of endorphins and as labour intensifies, the production of endorphins increases. In fact, in un-medicated labours, the peak of endorphins in the bloodstream occurs just before birth.
In fact, in un-medicated labours, the peak of endorphins in the bloodstream occurs just before birth.
Endorphins in childbirth:
- <li “”=””>Reduce the sensation and perception of pain in labour <li “”=””>Produce an altered state of consciousness – “labour land” or “on another planet” feeling <li “”=””>Promote endurance for long and challenging labours <li “”=””>Facilitate a sense of euphoria after birth <li “”=””>Foster alertness and attentiveness postpartum for mother and baby <li “”=””>Encourage prolactin release and are present in breastmilk