Oxytocin - The LOVE Hormone!

Oxytocin is the “love hormone”, needed for connection, trust, sociability, anti-anxiety effects and for birth and breastfeeding.

For this reason, Oxytocin is a powerful homeopathic medicine that comes from the family of matridonal remedies. Matridonal means ‘gift of the mother’; these remedies are made from a pregnant woman’s material, such as oxytocin, placenta, vernix, lac maternum, folliculinum and progesterone.

BIRTH, BREASTFEEDING and POSTPARTUM

Oxytocin is naturally needed for two essential roles: contractions of the uterus during labour and for breastmilk (oxytocin is produced more quickly than prolactin!) When oxytocin is released it directly enhances activity in brain areas related to bonding and connection, which is why it is also known as the “love hormone”, and plays such a key role in attachment for a mother and baby.

Synthetic oxytocin (synotocin, pitocin) is often given to initiate/support labour especially if contractions are slow. Now it’s important to note, natural production of oxytocin can be suppressed by a large dose of the hormone, which is what can occur with drugs during labour/delivery.

Oxytocin is needed for breastmilk. The letdown reflex during breastfeeding is in fact caused by oxytocin. Any breastfeeding issues with latching, milk flow or supply is often heavily influenced by oxytocin.

CHILDREN WITH AUTISM, ADD and ADHD

Research shows oxytocin levels tend to be lower in autistic children. See the meta-analysis here: PMID: 34308675

Research shows a link between women given labour and delivery drugs and autistic children. A study found that those given synthetic oxytocin (syntoxcin) were 2.77 times more likely to exhibit an autistic phenotype than individuals who had not been exposed to labour and drugs during childbirth. PMID

Uses of Homeopathic Oxytocin:

• Ailments from epidural, C-section and/or delivery drugs.

• Breastfeeding issues (milk supply is low or issues with the flow)

• Postpartum depression, anxiety and/or lack of attachment between mother and baby.

  • Oxytocin can be a useful homeopathic when mothers experience anxiety and don’t trust themselves - sometimes they may make comments such as “I don’t feel like I’m doing enough”, “I don’t trust myself - I’m not a good enough mum”.

• Weaning process - can be used to help transition both mum and bub

• Children with autism, ADD and ADHD, especially when a child has challenges with social behaviours and repetitive behaviours.

• Male infertility - oxytocin converts testosterone to dihydrotestostone (DHT) by 5alpha-reductase. Research here.

  These are just some of the reasons oxytocin can be such a useful homeopathic medicine to use before, during and after childbirth, and to support healthy relationships.

  I often prescribe Oxytocin in a homeopathic preparation of a 6C or a kentian homochord, depending on the needs of the person.

  Oxytocin works beautifully with other matridonal remedies. I often prescribe it alongside Sepia, as they are both hormone supportive medicines and nourish the mother in postpartum periods.

  Please speak to your health practitioner before starting or using any homeopathic medicines, or book a consultation with me.
  

This is not medical advice. This based on my own experiences and observations. It is for information purposes only. This homeopathic medicine may not be appropriate for you - each person has individualised needs. Please speak to your health practitioner or book a 1:1 consultation with Olivia to discuss your individualised needs.