Episode 11
5min Hypnobirthing Episode 2 - Your Brain and Birth
Today we’re talking about the brain and birth.
Now, when people think about labour, they usually picture the uterus, the cervix, the physical side of things. But honestly? Your brain might just be the most important organ in the room.
Episode Transcript
Hello and welcome to the Pregnant in Aberdeen Podcast, I’m your host, Jade Gordon, hypnotherapist and hypnobirthing teacher, I’ve been teaching hypnobirthing locally for more than 10 years, and today I’m bringing you part 2 of our new series 5 minute hypnobirthing. So let’s dive in!
Today we’re talking about the brain and birth.
Now, when people think about labour, they usually picture the uterus, the cervix, the physical side of things. But honestly? Your brain might just be the most important organ in the room.
Here’s why. Your brain controls the release of hormones. And hormones, not willpower, are what actually drive labor forward. The key players are oxytocin, endorphins, and adrenaline.
Let’s break that down. Oxytocin is the “love hormone.” It’s released when you hug, when you kiss, even when you pet your dog/cat etc. During labour, oxytocin is the fuel for contractions. Without oxytocin, nothing happens.
Then we’ve got endorphins. These are your body’s natural painkillers. They reduce stress, create a sense of calm, and fun fact they’re chemically similar to the pain medication morphine. Which means your brain literally produces its own pain relief.
And finally, adrenaline. This one’s the wildcard. It’s great when you need to run from danger, but in birth? Too much adrenaline can slow things down, make contractions less effective, and increase pain perception. Not ideal.
So what does hypnobirthing do? It’s essentially brain training. By practicing relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and positive visualisations, you teach your brain to keep oxytocin and endorphins flowing and to keep adrenaline in check.
When we imagine something threatening, our bodies respond as if it’s real. Heart rate rises, palms sweat, muscles tense. But the reverse is also true.
When we imagine calm, safe, positive scenarios, our bodies mirror that. That’s the science behind birth visualisations and in learning how to feel calmer.
It’s like your brain is the DJ at a club, deciding what track to play. If it plays the “danger” playlist, adrenaline floods the room. If it plays the “safe and cozy” playlist, oxytocin takes over and labor can flow.
One of my favorite things about this is how practical it is. You don’t need fancy equipment. You just need to create the right environment for your brain. Dim lighting, soothing sounds, gentle touch, positive words. When your brain feels safe, your body can do what it’s designed to do.
And remember the brain doesn’t just control hormones, it also shapes how we experience sensation. Fear and tension can make pain feel more intense. Calm and confidence can make the exact same sensation feel manageable.
So, next time you think about birth, don’t just picture your uterus doing the heavy lifting. Picture your brain as the conductor of an orchestra, guiding every instrument into harmony, or the DJ playing uplifting tunes if prefer.
And if your brain can remember song lyrics that you haven’t heard in decades, it can handle this.
That’s all for today’s five-minute boost. Next time, we’ll dive into Fight, Flight, or Flow — why fear slows labor and calm helps it along.
I’m jade, and this is the Pregnant in Aberdeen Podcast, if you have any questions get in touch with me at [email protected].