Oxytocin!

Why do breastfeeding advocates go on about the hormone oxytocin?

Oxytocin, fondly dubbed the “love hormone,” is a superstar for breastfeeding mums and parents. Without it, getting milk out would be like squeezing water from a stone. This mighty hormone, made of tiny amino acid chains, doubles as a neuropeptide (think brain messenger). It’s produced in the hypothalamus (a deep-brain gland about the size of a pea) and released by the posterior pituitary gland, which dangles below like a brainy pendant. Oxytocin receptor cells are ready and waiting in the muscles of the breast and uterus. When oxytocin, the same hormone responsible for labour contractions, shows up, it kicks the myoepithelial cells in the breast into action. These cells contract, sending milk through nipple pores and into the baby’s mouth or a pump. Simultaneously, uterine contractions help the uterus snap back to its pre-baby shape, often faster than in mums who aren’t breastfeeding.

Not only does oxytocin power milk ejection and uterine contractions, but it also dabbles in emotions, hence its moniker ‘the love hormone’. Oxytocin can spark sexual arousal, slash stress (by blocking cortisol production), lower blood pressure, fight inflammation and oxidation, and even boost pain tolerance. And it’s not just nursing parents who are producing oxytocin; babies whip it up when suckling and get an extra dose through breast milk, which often leads to those adorable, milk-drunk naps at the breast.

So, if oxytocin is key for breastfeeding, what can you do when your levels are low and your milk output is dwindling? Well, gazing at and sniffing your adorable baby can send oxytocin surging. But guess what? Hugging or chatting with family can too. One parent I supported found her milk supply increased just from talking to her mum on the phone! Others might find their favourite comedian gets the milk flowing, and if you’re like me & love cake, delicious food works too! Karaoke, a long bath, anything that busts stress and boosts oxytocin will get those milk-making cells squeezing. Even a little intimate time, if you’re up for it, can work wonders! So here’s my permission to enjoy that slab of chocolate

Further Reading/Resources:

Journal Article: The Physiological Basis of Breastfeeding