Oxytocin is a hormone that is synthesized by the hypothalamus, and then transmitted to the posterior part of the pituitary gland, where it accumulates and is released into the bloodstream. The main role of oxytocin plays in the female body during childbirth and breastfeeding, but also distinguishes its other influences. We will try to consider in detail the importance of oxytocin in breastfeeding, and also get acquainted with the use of its synthetic forms.
The role of oxytocin for the female body
One of its main functions oxytocin has, affecting the smooth muscles of the uterus, which is the reason for the clinical manifestation of labor, such as contractions and attempts. Oxytocin after delivery and cesarean section helps to reduce the uterus, so it acquires its original size. Increase the production of this hormone after childbirth can be by an early application of the baby to the mother's breast, because the concentration of oxytocin in the blood increases with breastfeeding.
For successful breastfeeding, hormones oxytocin and prolactin play an important role. Thus, prolactin affects the production of breast milk and the filling of breast ducts. And oxytocin in lactation contributes to the reduction of the muscle layer of the breast and the release of breast milk from it.
Use of synthetic oxytocin preparations
In the case when the female body is not able to release enough oxytocin, synthetic drugs are used. Such situations are: weakness of labor activity (weak contractions and attempts), postpartum hypotonic bleeding and lactostasis.
With a weak labor activity, a dropper with oxytocin is connected to make the fights stronger, and as a consequence, more effective. In third
Thus, oxytocin plays an important role in the female body, especially during and after childbirth. However, given the characteristics of the pharmacological drug, it can be used only in medical institutions under the supervision of a doctor.