All About Oxytocin: The Cuddle Chemical Released During Breastfeeding
Did you know when your baby suckles, a chemical chain reaction happens in your body that releases a hormone that not only releases your milk, but also helps you bond with your little one? That hormone is called oxytocin and, not surprising, it’s called the “mothering hormone.”
It’s also sometimes called the “love hormone” or “cuddle chemical.”
Wanna know another incredible thing? Oxytocin is released in BOTH mother’s and baby’s body during breastfeeding!
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How Oxytocin Releases Breast Milk
Your baby suckles at your breast.
Nerve cells in your breast send a signal to the pituitary gland in your brain to release oxytocin.
Oxytocin causes the muscles around your mammary glands to contract.
The glands contract and squeeze the breast milk into your milk ducts to be released.
As your baby continues to breastfeed, more oxytocin is released and breast milk continues to flow!
Oxytocin Helps You During Labor and postpartum
Oxytocin not only helps to release your breast milk during breastfeeding, but it’s also responsible for many interesting changes in your body:
causes your uterus to contract to help push out your baby during childbirth
helps your uterus to contract and shrink after labor
lowers stress and anxiety
lowers blood pressure
may protect against postpartum depression
Things That May Interfere With the Release of Oxytocin In Your Body:
Pain
Breast surgery — if the nerves in your nipple have been severed, it may prevent suckling to send the signal to your brain.
Stress
Fatigue
Illness
Fear/embarrassment
Drinking alcohol
Smoking
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Related article: 8 Common Breastfeeding Myths Busted by IBCLCs!
