I am greatly intrigued by the hormone oxytocin and its many, many roles.  Oxytocin is often referred to as the “love hormone” since it encourages feelings of connectedness and love between people. 

The surge of oxytocin immediately following a normal delivery coupled with the high levels of prolactin (the mothering horomone which also allows milk production) in a mothers system serve to initiate the bonding between mom and baby and the surges of oxytocin released during breastfeeding and pumping to stimulate a let-down of milk also continue to build on that bond between mother and infant as nursing continues. 

Some of that oxytocin transfer to the baby through the milk and it is this hormone that is responsible for the feeling of relaxation and contentment that both mom and baby feel during and immediately after nursing.  This transfer of oxytocin through breast milk is another good reason to feed as much freshly pumped milk as possible when it is necessary to pump and bottle feed. 

Unfortunately, moms who are exclusively pumping often do not have the luxury of time to benefit from the relaxation and sense of well-being this hormone release brings since all too often, it is necessary to clean equipment, feed the baby, and they myriad of other things that must be done.  But allowing yourself to relax for at least a few minutes can be very beneficial for everyone involved. 

Research is being done on oxytocin at a rapid pace with new discoveries frequently being made.  The research is compelling and has some very serious implications on infant development, feeding practices, birthing practices, and bonding.

Here’s a link to some recent research being done on oxytocin.

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