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Subject: endorphins

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Archived User
Posts:0
02/27/2006 2:03 PM Quote Reply
Somebody in my prepared childbirth class asked about the a statement she read that after you take pain medication or get an epidural you don't produce endorphins anymore. I have been wondering about that myself, where can I find some more information about that fact, to support it. And what exactly produces endorphins. You know that class activity where you get a couple to slowdance and the rest of the class states what activities produce endorphins (touch, movement, encouraging words, etc.) where can I find support, evidence for that theory.
Erica By: Erica
Doula Jane (guest)
03/09/2007 6:02 AM Quote Reply

Hi,

Production of NATURAL oxytocin directly increases production of endorphins, making mom relax which further increases oxytocin production.  This is an essential feedback mechanism which makes labor more productive.  This info is in The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin and the official Lamaze guide.  Thus, an epidural can help her relax by reducing the pain.  It's the pitocin that interferes with endorphin production because it is not the natural hormone.

Jane
Rachel (guest)
03/11/2007 1:33 PM Quote Reply
Does the newborn also get the effect of endorphins after birth? I've been looking for research on this, and can't seem to find any.
Henci Goer
Posts:0
03/12/2007 12:09 AM Quote Reply

According to Dr. Sarah Buckley in Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering, (c) 2005, p 119, the baby secretes beta-endorphins during labor from its own pituitary and from the placenta and hormone levels in the placenta are even higher than in the mother's bloodstream at birth. She cites:

Facchinetti F, et al. Fetal intermediate lobe is stimulated by parturition. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1989;161:1267-70.

Facchinetti F, et al. Changes in beta-endorphin in fetal membranes and placenta in normal and pathological pregnancies. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 1990;69:3-7.

Jevremovic M, et al. [The opioid peptide, beta-endorphin, in spontaneous vaginal delivery and cesarean section]. Srp Arh Celok Lek 1991;119:271-4.

-- Henci
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