Definition: This is a hormone that you have throughout your entire life. It is produced in the hypothalamus. It is delivered in pulses from the pituitary gland. It is produced by the mother and the baby. This is produced during labor and breastfeeding, and at other times in your life, known as the love hormone. It can be produced from touch, nipple stimulation, acupressure and more. A synthetic form of oxytocin is Pitocin, which is used to induce labor.
Sources:
The Labor Progress Handbook. Simkin, P and Ancheta, R. Wiley-Blackwell; 2 edition.
Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. Gabbe, S, Niebyl, J, Simpson, JL. Fifth Edition.
