Lots of people know about the importance of oxytocin in labour and birth and in relation to breastfeeding, but did you know about some of the other amazing functions and effects it has?
- It is produced by the hypothalamus and secreted into the blood tream by the pituitary gland.
- At high levels it can have an amnesiac effect making it difficult to find words at the time and hard to recall experiences or faces at a later date.
- Its linked to reduced anxiety and stress, and increased feelings of wellbeing and calm.
- Oxytocin can help to releive inflammation
Further reading:
- Bell AF, Erickson EN, & Carter CS. (2014). Beyond labor: The role of natural and synthetic oxytocin in the transition to motherhood. J Midwifery & Women’s Health, 59(1), 35-42.
- Carter CS. (2014). Oxytocin pathways and the evolution of human behavior. Annual review of psychology, 65, 17-39.
- Odent M. (2001). The scientification of love. London: Free Assn Books.
- Odent M. (2002). The first hour following birth: don’t wake the mother! Midwifery Today, (61), 9.
- Uvnas-Moberg K. (2011).The Oxytocin Factor: Tapping the Hormone of Calm, Love and Healing. Pinter & Martin, London
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