Oxytocin is essential in pregnancy since it stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth, but it is also a very important molecule during lactation, since this substance plays a fundamental role.
Marcos is two weeks old and Monica, his mother, adores him. However, between feedings, diaper changes, and sometimes inconsolable crying, she also feels very tired and sometimes overwhelmed.
Fortunately, when she finally holds her little one, full and calm, in her arms, a burst of positive emotions it energizes her a bit. "What causes this feeling," Monica wonders?
Is oxytocin, or "love hormone", a molecule produced in the brain that improves mood, induces a sense of well-being, promotes social interactions, reduces anxiety, stress and pain. this hormone in pregnancy it is essential since it stimulates the contractions of the uterus during childbirth. Later, in the postpartum period, oxytocin favors the initiation of lactation and maternal attachment.
A few simple gestures and behaviors may be enough for stimulate secretion of this hormone and improve the well-being of the new mother and the new family.
The effects of oxytocin
What is oxytocin? Let's start by saying that this molecule is produced by neurons in the hypothalamus, a part of the brain, and works by modulating the activity of other nerve cells. But what exactly are the functions of oxytocin ? What are the effects? Oxytocin reduces the activity of the so-called "sympathetic" nervous system (responsible for flight or fight reactions in case of danger) and increases that of the "parasympathetic" system, which favors the relaxed. Furthermore, upon entering the bloodstream, oxytocin stimulates the secretion of milk at the mammary level and the contraction of the uterus.
oxytocin in pregnancy
What is oxytocin used for in pregnancy? During pregnancy, levels of this hormone increase, peaking during childbirth. The secretion is stimulated, in particular, by the pressure exerted by the fetal head on the cervix and on the vaginal wall. Sensory nerves send impulses to the hypothalamus, which results in the release of oxytocin into the bloodstream and brain.
During labor, oxytocin also increases the uterine muscle tenderness and it also promotes the release of other molecules, prostaglandins, which further strengthen uterine contractions and the progression of labor.
Functions…
Among the latests Moravia's compositions functions of oxytocin in pregnancy is the fact that, at a nervous level, this substance helps to reduce pain, both by promoting the secretion of endogenous opioids and by inducing a kind of amnesia, which helps the mother to partially forget the birth experience. The increase in oxytocin levels in the brain could be associated with the dopamine release, a neurotransmitter that could stimulate the strong positive emotions that new mothers often experience.
Are oxytocin supplements needed during pregnancy? The use of supplements to stimulate hormone secretion during pregnancy is not supported by scientific evidence. However, there are natural methods to promote the release of oxytocin (as we will see later).
In cases where it is necessary induce labor, sometimes intravenous administration of oxytocin can be used to stimulate contractions.
In the case of postpartum
After birth, the oxytocin function It does not finish. In fact, the hormone promotes relaxation and maternal attachment; oxytocin is stimulated by skin-to-skin contact between mother and newborn; it allows the vasodilation of the woman's chest, so that the little one finds a warm bed when he is on her mother's chest.
stressful events y unwelcoming environments could inhibit the secretion of oxytocin. Conversely, situations perceived as safe, familiar, and friendly may promote their release. That is why it is important to guarantee a serene and welcoming environment at the time of delivery and in the postpartum period.
during lactation
Which are the functions of oxytocin in lactation ? This hormone promotes the release of breastmilk by stimulating the muscle cells that surround the mammary alveoli. Oxytocin secretion is stimulated by both suction such as skin-to-skin contact. Emotionally difficult situations or very intense pain can inhibit the secretion of the hormone, making breastfeeding difficult.
How does oxytocin help?
Here are some natural ways to increase oxytocin production :
- Do yoga and exercise. Research has shown an increase in oxytocin levels and the ability to regulate emotions in a group of fifteen people with schizophrenia who practiced yoga for one month.Some forms of meditation can also facilitate the release of hormones, as can the exercise in general (even during pregnancy).
- Listen to music or play an instrument. While the results are still limited, music could help raise oxytocin levels. One study found higher levels of the hormone in four jazz singers who had just improvised a performance (an activity that requires cooperation, trust, and communication). The same result was also achieved by a group of patients who underwent heart surgery after listening to music.
- Give or receive a massage. A 15-minute massage would be enough to help people relax and raise oxytocin levels. Not only that, even in the massage hormonal values increase.
- Cultivate social relationships. Going out with friends or with your partner can improve your mood. Even an intimate conversation, perhaps looking into each other's eyes and hugging, can promote the release of oxytocin and help you feel more connected. Despite being called the love hormone, oxytocin certainly can't generate a feeling or change behavior, but it can increase feelings of infatuation, contentment, security, and trust in someone you already care about.
- Privacy. Reaching orgasm definitely raises oxytocin levels, as do hugs, caresses, and kisses. So pamper your partner, your child or your pet.
- sharing food. Preparing a meal together can be fun and beneficial. Eating the created dish can give so much pleasure as to trigger the release of oxytocin.
- good work Altruistic behaviors promote the release of oxytocin. Giving a gift or helping a neighbor with an errand can trigger a positive cycle of good emotions.
- The closeness of the couple. Collaborating with the housework, cooking lunch, preparing a hot bath, there are many small daily actions that can help the mother and make her feel pampered, stimulating the release of oxytocin. Feeling like you have a partner available to help and ready to listen is essential.
What does oxytocin inhibit?
Instead, what blocks the production of oxytocin? Low levels of this hormone have been linked to symptoms of depression, including postpartum depression. Probably because oxytocin finds it difficult to cross the blood-brain barrier, a layer that separates the nervous system from the bloodstream.
Currently, oxytocin is used as medicine just to stimulate labor contractions. The use of oxytocin in people with autism spectrum disorders to improve social interactions is still under study (results are only preliminary).
El postpartumDue to the strong changes in hormonal levels and the stress that delivery and handling of a newborn can cause, it is an extremely delicate moment for the mother. He partner and family support it is essential to accompany the new mom on this path. Not only practical actions such as changing the diaper, taking care of the baby while the mother rests or showers, but also a word of comfort, a hug and emotional support are essential.