Breastfeeding Questions - Oxytocin and Expressing Breastmilk
When breastfeeding the hormone oxytocin is released which helps the uterus to contract. Does the same thing happens when we are expressing the milk? Or does that fact just apply if the baby feeds directly from the breast?
Oxytocin helps the uterus to contract but it is also involved in the letdown reflex. So even when you are expressing breastmilk you require oxytocin in order for the milk to be released!
You may find it difficult to express milk as it will not always flow so freely with a breast pump. You can help by thinking about your baby, smelling something that belongs to him/ her or looking at a picture of the baby.
I hope this answers your question!
Sinead
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