Though I am not an expert on oxytocin, it has been a subject of interest to me. A few weeks ago I attended a conference, and was able to hear Michel Odent speak on Protecting the Birthing Woman. I feverishly took notes since I am planning on writing an article. He said that any situation where there is a high peak of oxytocin - such as orgasm and milk ejection - will require that you feel secure. (IMHO, a woman who has a history of sexual abuse may have a very difficult time feeling secure in an intimate situation, even if she is able to reach orgasm.) Odent also spoke of IV oxytocin. He said that from a chemical standpoint it is the same, BUT it does not cross the blood brain barrier, IS NOT a "love hormone", and has NO behavioral effects. He also said that IV oxytocin disturbs the natural hormone release of a laboring woman (as many of us already know!) Because of this, IV oxytocin can also disturb the initiation of lactation. Warmly, Debbi Donovan, IBCLC