The Birth in the Age of Artificial Light – Michel Odent
Over the millenniums, the area of the human brain where the thinking takes place, called neocortex, has become larger. Too much neocortex activity can obscure some physiological functions, in particular those involved during childbirth.
Melatonin, the hormone of darkness, is found naturally in the body. It is a neurotransmitter inhibitor responsible for the synchronization of the circadian and seasonal rhythms and reduces the intellectual activity in the brain so that we can have a restful sleep.
But did you know that Melatonin also plays an important role during childbirth? Japanese and Finish studies demonstrated that Melatonin level increases before the onset of labor for the mother to calm down, prepare for the birth so that she can focus on her body. The first role of Melatonin in labor is to make birth possible and easier by putting our thinking brain at rest, switching the brain activity from alpha waves to delta waves, allowing more primitive brain structures to release the necessary hormones such as endorphins, serotonin, acetylcholine, and vasopressin which help relieve stress and pain. Melatonin also works together with Oxytocin in a synergetic fashion to increase the oxytocin myometrial receptors on the uterus, making labor more efficient. Melatonin crosses the placenta and is found in the cord blood of babies whose mother labored prior to delivery. Its anti-oxidative properties protect the baby by reducing cell damage.
We have reached at a turning point in the history of childbirth as we now know that artificial light emmitted by LED inhibits the secretion of Melatonin and can make childbirth more difficult.
Historically, artificial light was emmitted from incandescent light sources. More recently, a new source of light called LED (Light Emitting Diode) is gradually replacing the incandescent light. LED has many advantages such as emitting brighter light, being much cheaper, more durable and safer. As today’s birthing environment is flooded with bright light, scientists are raising concerns that the amount of LED light in the birthing environment would inhibit Melatonin production and could negatively impact the birth outcome.
Therefore, it is important for birth providers to understand the role that Melatonin has on the neocortex, the uterus and the baby and ensure that the birth surroundings dark are kept warm, quiet and safe so that the laboring woman can maintain a space of consciousness and have the best possible labor and birth experience/outcome. Pregnant women can also prepare themselves mentally to quiet their mind and shut down and not be over stimulated before they go into labor.
