Undisturbed Birth: Nature’s Blueprint for Ease and Ecstasy

When a woman labors and gives birth without disturbance, her body produces
peak levels of birthing hormones. These include oxytocin, the hormone of love; beta-endorphin, hormone of
pleasure and the body’s natural analgesic; adrenaline and noradrenaline (epinephrine/norepinephrine)
hormones of excitement; and prolactin, the mothering and breastfeeding hormone. This paper outlines current
knowledge of the functions, and interconnections of these hormones, and the hormonal interferences caused by
medical interventions, in particular, induction and augmentation (acceleration), opiate and epidural pain relief,
cesarean surgery, and early separation of mother and baby. The author argues that an undisturbed birth
creates maximum ease and safety for mother and baby, as well as making birth a potentially ecstatic
experience. KEY WORDS: Oxytocin; beta-endorphin; adrenaline; noradrenaline; epinephrine; norepinephrine
prolactin; induction; pitocin; syntocinon; augmentation; acceleration; opiate analgesia; epidural; mother-infant
attachment; bonding, labor; birth; undisturbed birth; ecstatic birth.