In this episode, Dr. Shannon and Doula Rachael discuss key pregnancy hormones and their roles in conception, pregnancy, and labor. They emphasize the importance of honoring and understanding these hormones to support a healthy and empowered pregnancy journey.

The hormones discussed include relaxin, HCG, estrogen, oxytocin, progesterone, and prolactin. This conversation explores the role of hormones in pregnancy and childbirth. It covers topics such as nighttime feedings and their impact on ovulation, the hormones involved in labor, the role of prostaglandins in cervical softening, the signaling of the baby for birth, the importance of oxytocin in labor, and the role of endorphins in pain relief.

It also discusses the impact of cortisol and adrenaline on labor, and provides tips for supporting healthy hormones through sleep, movement, and nutrition. The conversation concludes with recommendations for additional resources on hormones.

Resources mentioned in episode:

Hormone Intelligence by Dr, Aviva Romm

Books by Lily Nichols

Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler

The First 40 Days by Heng Ou

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Honoring Hormones

05:50 Relaxin

08:08 HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin)

09:59 Estrogen

11:40 Oxytocin

14:03 Progesterone

16:00 Prolactin

16:28 Nighttime Feedings and Ovulation

18:04 Prostaglandins and Cervical Softening

19:20 Baby Signaling and Due Dates

20:16 Oxytocin and Labor

21:39 Supporting Oxytocin Flow

22:37 Endorphins and Pain Relief

23:06 Transition and Intensity of Labor

24:06 Cortisol and Adrenaline in Labor

25:38 Supporting Hormones through Sleep, Movement, and

Curiosity and Beyond
Exploring the Magical World of Knowledge

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Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This disclaimer includes all guests or contributors to the podcast.