What hormone is released when you breastfeed?

The Hormones of Breastfeeding: Prolactin and Oxytocin
Breastfeeding is a complex physiological process that involves a delicate interplay of hormones, primarily prolactin and oxytocin. These hormones play crucial roles in milk production and the emotional bonding between mother and child.
Prolactin, often referred to as the milk-producing hormone, is released in response to the baby’s suckling. When a baby latches onto the breast, sensory impulses travel from the nipple to the mother’s brain, stimulating the release of prolactin from the pituitary gland. This hormone is essential for establishing and maintaining milk supply; its levels peak approximately 30 minutes after breastfeeding, signaling the body to produce more milk . Prolactin not only facilitates milk production but also helps regulate the mother’s reproductive hormones, contributing to a temporary suppression of ovulation during breastfeeding.
On the other hand, oxytocin is often called the “love hormone” due to its role in fostering emotional connections. It is responsible for the milk ejection reflex, commonly known as the “let-down” reflex, which allows milk to flow from the milk ducts to the nipple. The release of oxytocin during breastfeeding creates feelings of relaxation and calmness in the mother, enhancing the bonding experience with her baby. This hormone is also released during skin-to-skin contact and can promote maternal behaviors, making it a vital component of the breastfeeding experience.
In addition to these primary hormones, estrogen and progesterone also play indirect roles in lactation. These hormones help prepare the breasts for milk production during pregnancy, but their levels drop significantly after childbirth, allowing prolactin and oxytocin to take center stage.
The intricate balance of these hormones not only supports the physical act of breastfeeding but also contributes to the emotional well-being of both mother and child. The release of prolactin and oxytocin during breastfeeding fosters a nurturing environment, reinforcing the bond that is essential for the baby’s development and the mother’s emotional health.

What happens to a woman’s brain when breastfeeding?

Studies have suggested that lactation gives mothers helpful hormonal releases of oxytocin, which help them to relax and reduce “fight or flight” hormones. Instead of feeling panicked in times of stress, breastfeeding mums are more likely to feel “calm and connected.”

Does breastfeeding throw off hormones?

When you breastfeed, your body produces two “feel good” hormones, prolactin and oxytocin, to create breastmilk and the let-down reflex. Prolactin produces a feeling of well-being, calmness and relaxation, while oxytocin is known as the “love hormone,” and creates those warm and fuzzy feelings.

Is breast milk healthy for my husband?

However, drinking breast milk is safe only if it is from your partner whom you know well. This is because breast milk is a bodily fluid, and you do not want yourself to be at risk of infectious diseases such as cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B and C, human immunodeficiency virus, or syphilis.

What hormones shift after breastfeeding?

The return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels can vary greatly, but generally hormones will normalize within three to six months. If you are breastfeeding, as you wean from it, your prolactin and oxytocin levels will drop—potentially leaving you feeling sad, anxious or irritable.

Is estrogen high or low when breastfeeding?

Estrogen: All women have low levels of estrogen for the first couple of months after giving birth. Continued breastfeeding extends this period for at least six months. For a few women, lower levels may last as long as they are nursing. Lower estrogen levels may cause vaginal dryness, tightness and tenderness.

What are the hormonal effects of breastfeeding?

Oxytocin and prolactin
While breastfeeding, these hormones promoted feelings of contentment, peace, and intimacy. As these hormone levels drop, some individuals experience complex physical and emotional symptoms including moodiness, sadness, or insomnia.

What is the happy hormone while breastfeeding?

Oxytocin is also known as the ‘breastfeeding bonding hormone’ and can produce a warm and typically content emotional state in us. Thanks, oxytocin!

What hormones are released while breastfeeding?

When your baby suckles, it stimulates nerves that tell your body to release prolactin and oxytocin. Prolactin causes the alveoli to make milk and oxytocin causes muscle contractions that push out of the alveoli and through the milk ducts.

Why do men love breastfeeding?

For other men, seeing the mother-child dyad enjoying each other may be sexually exciting. Leaking breasts may be a sexual “turn-on” just as they may be a sexual “turn-off” (Wilkerson & Bing, 1988). Other men may feel that lactating breasts are not an erogenous zone and are to be avoided at all costs.

What happens to a woman’s body when breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding produces the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin helps your uterus contract after delivery. This helps it return to its normal size and reduces the amount of vaginal bleeding after delivery. Increasing physical and emotional bonding.