Lisa, for your mom with "no oxytocin:"

I can't remember if this was covered in previous posts, but Kirstin
Uvnas-Moberg, in her talks at last August's ILCA conference, stated that
oxytocin is released in pulses, and that several factors increased the
number of these.  One was skin-to-skin contact, especially on the ventral
surface.  Another was frequent suckling. Also, having a second stage of
labor was important.  C-section moms initially had fewer peaks of oxytocin
release.  Epidurals may interfere with the natural release of oxytocin.  IV
oxytocin given post delivery may also act as a feedback inhibitor, reducing
the spontaneous release of oxytocin. Could these have been factors in the
mother's previous experiences?

One article that describes some of the workings of oxytocin is:

Uvnas-Moberg K. (editorial). Oxytocin and Behaviour. Annals of Medicine
1994;26:315-317.

Or tapes of Uvnas-Moberg's lectures can be ordered.  They are session
#108/207: "Oxytocin's Role in Psychological Changes in Breastfeeding Women"
and
Plenary Session D: "Beyond the Milk Ejection Reflex: The Multifaceted Role
of Oxytocin During Lactation."

Anne Altshuler, RN, MS, IBCLC and LLL leader in Madison, WI
e-mail:  [log in to unmask]