Oxytocin is a powerful mammal hormone. When we hug or kiss a loved one, oxytocin levels drive up. It also acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. In fact, the hormone plays a huge role in pair bonding. Prairie voles, one of nature's most monogamous species, produce oxytocin in spades. This hormone is also greatly stimulated during sex, birth, breast feeding.
In women, it is released mainly after distension of the cervix and vagina during labour, and after stimulation of the nipples, facilitating birth and breastfeeding, respectively. Oxytocin is released during orgasm in both sexes. In the brain, oxytocin is involved in social recognition and bonding, and might be involved in the formation of trust between people. Virtually all vertebrates have an oxytocin-like nonapeptide hormone that supports reproductive functions and a vasopressin-like nonapeptide hormone involved in water regulation.
Oxytocin is also released during the physical stimulation of a woman’s nipples. The release of oxytocin creates feelings of contentment, reduces anxiety and increases feelings of security and calm.
Naturally, due to these factors, there is much evidence that the oxytocin is important to mother-baby bonding as it enables an increase trust and decrease in fear.
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