Hormones

Hormones. What are they? They are chemical messengers that are released to parts of the body and tell them what to do. Hormones therefore play a vital role in breastfeeding, especially in breast development and lactation.

There are many hormones that are present during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. There are in face 12.

The main 2 are Prolactin and Oxytocin.

It all starts with immediately after birth. The body knows exactly when the placenta is removed from the body and the oestrogen and progesterone that have been inhibiting the milk secretion is then lifted and milk production then begins.

Prolactin is is increased when baby suckles at the breast. The more the baby sucks the more milk and prolactin are produced.

Little Gem: Let baby suckle even for comfort, this is good for both baby, mum and your milk supply

Oxytocin The love and bonding hormone makes the milk flow through the nipple. This is can be referred to as the let down reflex. As we understand the vital role of oxytocin we can understand what can promote the levels to increase.

Skin to Skin is found to help the bonding hormone really work.

Little Gem: Skin to skin as much as possible will get the oxytocin flowing and help baby and mum bond which will allow breastfeeding to become more successful.

Little Gem: A relaxed and calm environment for mother will allow the milk to flow more freely and productively.

The following list may happen to you, but this is all a positive sign that oxytocin is active:

• You baby will cry (or another babies cry) makes your breast involuntary leak.

• You may be feeding from one breast and the other one starts to leak

• A tingling feeling. This may happen before or after a feed.

Your hormones are amazing and understanding them in this special role is so useful as you start and carry on your breastfeeding journey.