06/22/2022
Oxytocin is a hormone that is produced in the part of the brain called the hypothalamus and is released during s*x, childbirth, and lactation.
Synthetic oxytocin, however, which is often used to induce labour, does not act the same way in the body as naturally occurring oxytocin. Pitocin/syntocinon does not cross the blood-brain barrier; and while it does produce the same mechanical effects on the body, it does not lead to the same behavioural effects, like maternal attachment promoting behaviours.
🤍Oxytocin is released in pulses, and the more pulses the more effects seen from the hormone. Baby’s suckling triggers these pulses, which improves milk production and release.
🤍The highest peak of oxytocin in a woman’s lifetime is right after her baby is born, but before the placenta is delivered.
🤍Skin to skin contact increases oxytocin release.
🤍Prolactin, the milk-making hormone, is dependent on oxytocin for its production. The levels of these two hormones are strongly correlated during breastfeeding.
🤍Oxytocin release can be hindered by a stressful environment, as fight-or-flight hormones inhibit oxytocin. But if someone feels emotionally supported, calm and warm, the environment works in favour of their hormones.
🤍Oxytocin helps your body use nutrients through digestion, and aids in transferring those nutrients into breastmilk (and to the fetus during pregnancy).
🤍Oxytocin has direct effects on brain growth, especially the neocortex of the newborn.
🤍Oxytocin is released during or**sm (male and female).
🤍Aside from its reproductive roles, oxytocin is released when sharing a meal with a friend, hugging someone you care about, and even when cuddling your pets!
