Massage is therapy health which widely used by people for various purposes. Starting from overcoming aches, getting rid of fatigue, to helping facilitate breast milk (ASI) for breastfeeding mothers. Especially to facilitate breastfeeding, massage is done with massage techniques oxytocin.
The hormone oxytocin is very important for women. This hormone, which is produced in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, plays a major role in several important processes in a woman's life, including the process of orgasm, childbirth, and breastfeeding.
How Oxytocin Works in Breastfeeding
In the process of breastfeeding, the baby will touch the mother's nipple. Then, nerve cells in the breast will send a signal to the brain to release oxytocin. When the amount increases, this hormone causes the glands in the breasts and milk ducts to contract, and distribute milk through the nipples.
You must remember that oxytocin only helps release breast milk from the body. This hormone can not affect the amount of milk produced in the body. Because, the production of breast milk in the body is influenced by the hormone prolactin.
Massage Effect to Increase Oxytocin
Postpartum massage is known to have a number of benefits, including relaxing the body, relieving stress, reducing pain, improving quality sleep, helping breastfeeding, and restoring post-partum hormonal balance.
Oxytocin massage is one of the most commonly used massage techniques after childbirth. This massage technique can provide stimulation to the nipples and is believed to increase milk production. This is one of the reasons why oxytocin massage is believed to help in the breastfeeding process.
There is a study to measure the effect massage has on levels of oxytocin, as well as other hormones and compounds in the body. In this study, blood was drawn on about 100 participants twice, namely before and after massage with moderate pressure on the back. The results showed that there was an increase in oxytocin levels in the body of the massaged participants.
Paying Attention to the Security Side
The practice of massage is considered relatively safe. However, there are some conditions that should avoid massage, including someone who has an open wound, has a blood disorder, or is taking certain medications.
It is also important to pay attention to how much pressure is applied during the massage. If the massage is too strong to cause pain, stop immediately. Do not let massage actually make your body aches or even bruises.
If you feel the need to do oxytocin massage to support the breastfeeding process, you should consult a lactation consultation service or obstetrician first, in order to get the best advice for a smooth breastfeeding process.
