Hi Sam

My 2c worth in answer to some of your questions:

Randomized controlled studies are probably not feasiible to determine the 
long-term consequences of not having a "seed" of oxytocin from birth.  Naked 
babies placed with their ventral surfaces against mother's skin (as in 
breastfeeding) release oxytocin.  The act of breastfeeding also releases 
oxytocin.

Normally, there is an oxytocin surge at birth and this is the oxytocin that 
does pass to the baby via the cord.  However, with skin to skin contact, 
levels of oxytocin rise even higher.  My understanding is that with an 
epidural in situ, the mother does not have the high oxytocin surge at birth. 
Even more reason to ensure skin to skin contact to release oxytocin to 
assist with the transition to maternal behaviour.

How does one measure "bonding"?  Some of our mothers very clearly do not 
seem to connect with their babies in the first day or two - could be for 
many reasons (unplanned Caesareans, epidurals, forceps, pain.)  We do have 
one midwife who insists that babies get cold and will not place babies skin 
to skin after birth or at any other time - I would love to see if there is a 
connection!

I find oxytocin a facinating hormone and I feel we mess with it at our 
peril.  I look forward to reading more posts on this topic.

Jean Ridler  RN  RM  IBCLC
South Africa   [log in to unmask]

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