calm and connection  system 

Associated with states of trust, 

curiosity, growth , healing. 

Increases pain threshold and 

makes us more courageous 

OXYTOCIN (the love hormone) 

is released when the 

parasympathetic system is 

dominant 

Oxytocin is released when 

privacy, trust, warmth, low light 

and a feeling of safety prevail 

Effects of Oxytocin on labour 

 Starts and maintains 

strong contractions 

 Helps women cope with 

labour 

 Helps with endorphin

release= pain relief, 

bonding and feel good 

hormone 

Effects of oxytocin post birth 

 Enhances bonding 

 Enhances milk production 

 Enhances healing 

Survival  system 

Associated with states of 

alertness, reactivity, stress. 

Increases ability to act fast in 

the face of danger and is very 

helpful in short bursts 

ADRENALINE (fight or flight 

hormone) is released when the 

sympathetic system is 

dominant 

Adrenaline is released when we 

feel unsafe, exposed, cold, 

judged, and unsure of our 

surroundings 

Effects of adrenaline on labour 

 Can slow contractions by 

inhibiting oxytocin 

receptors 

 Increases pain through 

tension and constriction 

of blood vessels 

 Can make women fight 

their labour rather than 

going with 

Effects of Adrenaline post birth 

 Inhibits bonding and 

receptivity 

 Inhibits milk production
Parents can’t switch off and relax