Would Boosting The Oxytocin System Lead To Longer Breast-Feeding?
A recent study found that if oxytocin receptors were blocked during pregnancy, the offspring (in this case animals) gained less weight in the weeks after birth. The results of this study are being considered for helping mothers nurse longer. Some mothers do seem to have a problem with their children gaining weight, but it seems to me in most cases, they receive horrible advice about what to do about that. From the very beginning the doctors will recommend supplementing with formula, rather than attempting to increase the mother’s milk supply. So, given this study’s results, does that mean that the lack of oxytocin receptors is causing the mothers to make less milk? Does it somehow change the quality of the milk? The study doesn’t say. But if it helps more mothers nurse more successfully, I’m all for it. Read more here.
