Levels of Oxytocin Hormone During Breastfeeding

Abstract

Background: The rate of successful early breastfeeding in new mothers remains low. Various factors influence the lactation process, including the levels of prolactin and oxytocin hormones in the body. Prolactin and oxytocin are crucial for lactation, with oxytocin being released in response to nipple stimulation when the baby suckles, facilitating milk ejection. Purpose: It is the purpose of this research to determine the levels of the hormone oxytocin in postpartum moms who are nursing their infants entirely. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional design was used for the research project. It involved measuring oxytocin hormone levels during the third day after birth in postpartum women by the collection of blood samples and the subsequent analysis of those samples using the ELISA technique. Researchers also assessed breastfeeding success using observation sheets. The participants included 30 postpartum mothers who had undergone uncomplicated cesarean deliveries. Statistical tests were used to analyze the data on oxytocin levels and breastfeeding success. Results: A total of 53% of postpartum mothers were able to breastfeed successfully without encountering significant issues. The average oxytocin level in these mothers on the third day postpartum was found to be 786.8 pg/ml. Conclusion: The significant factor was found to be 0.002 after the data analysis was performed, indicating a significant relationship between oxytocin hormone levels and breastfeeding.