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Oxytocin
This steroid hormone is nothing short of magical. Released in the brain, oxytocin moves down to your pituitary gland and then enters your bloodstream where it travels to tissues as distant as the uterus. Oxytocin works on sev- eral tissues but most specifically on genital, uterine and vaginal tissues. It is the catalyst that stimulates the muscles in the walls of your womb to contract during childbirth. It will continue to stimulate your uterus to contract for the next six weeks. It is also known as the “cuddle hormone”. It’s the hormone that is triggered when your genitals are stimulated and its levels increase five-fold before orgasm when it stimulates mild contractions (like a small pumping action) of your uterus and fallopian tubes. These little flutters actually promote conception. The hormone also triggers lactation and prompts the ‘let down’ reflex. It is responsible for helping individuals forge strong emotional bonds. Mothers often have an overwhelming feeling of love with this hormone coursing through their veins. It can be directed at your partner, not necessarily your child.
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Breastfeed : The suckling process stimulates oxytocin (see Know Your Hormones). The downsizing of your uterus will start immediately whether you breastfeed or not, but breastfeeding will help your body kick it into a higher gear.
Massage your uterus : See how to further along in the chapter Don’t hold it in : A full bladder will work against the contracting mechanisms. Relax : Your body is on autopilot, and this process will happen naturally. So, what’s all this blood about? Postpartum bleeding is called lochia. If you think this sounds like a small Scottish lake, you are not too far off track. It refers to the alarmingly heavy vaginal bleeding that will occupy your waking hours in between breastfeeds and burping. If you are at all tempted to leave the house, the crackling noise as the voluminous maxi- pads rub between your thighs will put you off public appearances. TIP : Don’t even think about using a tampon Everything was different before it all changed
I must have missed the class on the endless indignities visited upon a mother in the first few weeks after she gives birth. I can only think I must have nipped out to the loo during the session on losing all human pride. I certainly missed the bit about losing most of my friends and crying so long and so hard that even I got bored with myself. Mommy mythsOnly the first six weeks are tough: Motherhood is rougher than a cowboy’s hand, but it can be as much fun. Having kids is hard going. You just get better at handling it.
Instinct will get you through: Not a chance. Sure you have an innate knowledge that you shouldn’t offer it a sip of your G ’n T, or swing it around your head, but the rest does not come all that naturally. This is one time you are going to have to start reading the ‘how to’ books you thought were for dummies. All women want to stay at home and look after their babies: Some people really do think this. Being a full-time mom has got to be the toughest job on the block. You will never work as hard as this. Going back to work is like taking a holiday compared to seven days a week of smiling and cooing. |
sarah bullenSarah Bullen is an author, writing mentor and literary agent. Archives
February 2022
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