While prolactin is essential for initiating and maintaining lactation,  oxytocin is keyed more closely to milk ejection. Oxytocin receptor  sites in the breast gradually increase by 10 fold in pregnancy.  Just before delivery the number of oxytocin receptor sites in  the uterus increase dramatically and then suddenly disappear after  the birth. Oxytocin is taken up by the uterus first to facilitate  delivery, prevent postpartum hemorrhage by uterine contraction  and then cause milk ejection. The nipple becomes more sensitive to tactile stimulation in the  24 hours following birth. Stretch receptors  in the nipple stimulate the release of oxytocin from the posterior  pituitary. Oxytocin causes the let-down reflex or milk ejection  response.
#iamstillawoman #milk #feeding #oxytocin
#iamstillawoman #milk #feeding #oxytocin

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