In men and women, oxytocin is released during orgasm. In women, it helps the uterus contract during labor and after the birth, and it triggers the letdown (milk-ejection) reflex that transmits breast milk through the milk ducts toward the nipple for breastfeeding. The hypothalamus works with the pituitary gland in the brain to regulate oxytocin levels.
Oxytocin is used in the synthetic form Pitocin to induce labor, and it can be used as a nasal spray to induce letdown during breastfeeding. Thomas W. Hale, Ph.D. warns in Medications and Mothers’ Milk that “chronic use of intranasal oxytocin may lead to dependence …read more

As we look forward to Valentine’s Day, this fourth Carnival of Breastfeeding presents several variations on the theme “Baby Love.”
Perhaps breastfeeding is helping you bond with your child after a traumatic birth (Motherwear Breastfeeding Blog) or you’re first meeting your son after a cesarean (Cairo Mama). Maybe you’re just finding out that love makes you do crazy things? (The Lactivist).
Starting to lust for another baby (My Baby and More) or already preparing for another one to arrive (Breastfeeding 1-2-3)? Find out whether for part of your preparations you should read the book “Babyproofing Your Marriage” (Mama Knows Breast).
Hopefully you’re celebrating …read more

When you welcome a new child into your family, you naturally hope your other child(ren) will accept and love the new sibling. While there is bound to be an adjustment period, I have outlined 10 strategies to help ease the transition on the way to “baby love”!
1. Prepare your older child in advance. Talk about the new baby in age-appropriate terms. Even the youngest of children will need and understand your explanation, preparation and reassurance about the coming change. If you have decided to find out the gender of the baby before the birth, consider whether you are ready to …read more

The next Carnival of Breastfeeding will take place on February 12, 2007, in anticipation of Valentine’s Day. The theme will be “Baby Love.” Bloggers are invited to submit posts about their love for their littlest valentines by January 26th for consideration. Please email me with your submission! As a reminder, here are the guidelines that will increase the chances a post will be selected for inclusion:
– A well-written, grammatically correct post
– Thoughtful commentary directly on point for the carnival subject (for example, for this carnival, write on the theme of Baby Love)
– Overall quality of the rest of your blog …read more