The Power of Prolactin and Oxytocin

Breastfeeding is a remarkable way to nourish and bond with your baby, and behind the scenes, two key hormones—prolactin and oxytocin—play a crucial role in making it all happen. These hormones are responsible for producing and releasing breast milk, ensuring your baby gets the nutrients they need to thrive. By understanding how prolactin and oxytocin work, you can make informed decisions to naturally boost your milk supply and enhance your breastfeeding experience. Let’s explore the science behind these hormones and how to support their function.

What Is prolactin?

Prolactin is known as the milk production hormone because it stimulates your body to create breast milk. When your baby begins to breastfeed, prolactin levels rise, signalling your body to produce more milk to meet your baby’s needs.

How prolactin works

Every time your baby breastfeeds or you pump, the stimulation of your nipples sends signals to your brain to release prolactin from the pituitary gland. Prolactin then travels to the milk-producing cells (called alveoli) in your breasts, instructing them to make milk. The more frequently you breastfeed or pump, the more prolactin is produced, helping to maintain or increase your milk supply.

Key functions of prolactin:

Stimulates the production of milk in the alveoli.
Helps regulate your milk supply based on how often your baby breastfeeds.
Increases in response to your baby’s suckling or when you pump.

Prolactin levels tend to be highest at night, which is why many mums find their milk supply is stronger during early morning feeds. This is also why regular night breastfeeding can help maintain or boost your supply naturally.

What Is Oxytocin?

While prolactin is responsible for milk production, oxytocin is the hormone that helps release that milk. Oxytocin triggers the let-down reflex, allowing the milk to flow from your breasts so your baby can feed.

How Oxytocin Works

When your baby begins to suckle, oxytocin is released, causing the tiny muscles around the milk-filled alveoli to contract. This contraction pushes milk through the milk ducts toward the nipple, allowing it to flow to your baby. Oxytocin is also behind the warm, tingling sensation that some mums feel when their milk lets down during breastfeeding.

Key Functions of Oxytocin:

Triggers the let-down reflex, ensuring milk flows during breastfeeding.
Strengthens the emotional bond between you and your baby by promoting feelings of love and connection.
Helps your uterus contract after birth, which reduces postpartum bleeding and aids in recovery.

Oxytocin is sometimes called the “love hormone” because it’s also released during moments of bonding and affection, such as during skin-to-skin contact, cuddling, or even when you think about your baby. These moments can also trigger the let-down reflex, making breastfeeding easier and more effective.

How Prolactin and Oxytocin Work Together

Prolactin and oxytocin work together to ensure your baby gets the milk they need. Here’s how they function as a team:

Prolactin: This hormone stimulates the production of milk. It is released every time your baby breastfeeds or you pump, telling your body to create more milk.
Oxytocin: Once your baby starts breastfeeding, oxytocin causes the milk to flow by triggering the let-down reflex, making the milk produced by prolactin available to your baby.

Simply put, prolactin makes the milk, and oxytocin helps deliver it. Both hormones are essential for maintaining a steady milk supply and ensuring your breastfeeding experience is successful.

How to Naturally Boost Prolactin and Oxytocin

Understanding how prolactin and oxytocin work can empower you to naturally enhance your milk supply. Here are some tips to support these two hormones and ensure your body produces and releases enough milk for your baby.

1. Breastfeed or Pump Frequently

The more often your baby breastfeeds or you pump, the more prolactin is released, which stimulates your body to produce more milk. Aim to breastfeed or pump at least 8-12 times per day, particularly in the early weeks. Night breastfeeding can be especially beneficial, as prolactin levels are highest during the night.

2. Practice Skin-to-Skin Contact

Oxytocin is released not only during breastfeeding but also during skin-to-skin contact. Holding your baby close, particularly with skin-to-skin contact, helps boost oxytocin levels, triggering the let-down reflex and making milk flow easier. This is also a wonderful bonding experience that can help with overall breastfeeding success.

3. Stay Relaxed and Calm

Stress and anxiety can inhibit oxytocin release, making it harder for your milk to let down. Finding ways to relax—whether through deep breathing, listening to calming music, or simply taking a moment for yourself—can encourage oxytocin release and improve milk flow. A calm, comfortable environment during breastfeeding can make a big difference for both you and your baby.

4. Pump After or Between Feedings

If you’re looking to boost your milk supply, pumping after or between breastfeeding sessions can stimulate more prolactin production. This additional stimulation sends signals to your body to produce more milk, helping to build and maintain your supply.

5. Surround Yourself with Emotional Support

Having emotional support from loved ones or a lactation consultant can help keep oxytocin levels high. Feeling supported in your breastfeeding journey can reduce stress, enhance oxytocin release, and improve your milk supply. Consider joining a breastfeeding support group or talking to other breastfeeding mums to boost your confidence and find encouragement.

6. Stay Hydrated and Eat Nutritious Foods

While prolactin and oxytocin are essential for milk production, staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet also support your body’s ability to produce milk. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and focus on nutrient-rich meals and supplements like our nourish and energising shakes to keep your energy levels up and your milk flowing.

When to Seek Help

If you’re finding it difficult to maintain a milk supply or are concerned about how prolactin or oxytocin is affecting your breastfeeding, don’t hesitate to seek help. A lactation consultant can provide personalised advice and support, helping you troubleshoot any issues and offering guidance on boosting your milk supply.

In some cases, medical conditions or hormonal imbalances may interfere with prolactin or oxytocin production. If you suspect this could be affecting your milk supply, consult with your healthcare provider to explore potential treatments or solutions.