OXYTOCIN, BREAST FEEDING & MASSAGE

Oxytocin is the hormone released as you breastfeed and research shows that breastfeeding helps mothers bond with their babies. It is released into the blood during labour to promote lactation and floods the brain during a feed.

A recent study undertaken at Warwick University showed that during  breast feeding  the extra release of Oxytocin created a ‘positive feedback loop ‘; this is when the nerve cells detect the hormone so the hypothalamus produces more. (A little like how milk is produced a great supply and demand system.) The hypothalamus is an ancient part of our brain that controls body temperature, thirst, hunger, anger, levels of pleasure and tiredness.  All basic survival needs. When Oxytocin is released it make us feel nurtured, cared for and calm, lowering levels of cortisol which is responsible for our fight & flight response. It is sometimes called the ‘love hormone’ and we actually produce it even when not breastfeeding and men produce it to.

So what’s the connection with massage? Well when you receive a massage you and your therapist also produce Oxytocin. I teach adults and mums and babies how to do massage and I have been witness to a very common sight,  students watching a demonstration quite often yawn and sometimes struggle to concentrate as the teaching room becomes awash with Oxytocin. They almost feel as good as the demonstration body.

Scientists are looking at producing a synthetic Oxytocin to help with depression, some childhood behavioural disorders and shyness.

Well you know what?  Massage is much easier to do and something that everyone can learn, so why produce something synthetically when our body is totally capable of producing it naturally.  Studies show that children who have the ‘massage in schools programme’ concentrate much better, adults who have regular massage feel better able to cope with modern life stresses and patients with long term illness report a better quality of life when they receive regular massage.

 

So why not take note of this recent research and let something so natural as breastfeeding and the hormone that it produces keep us feeling good long after we have weaned our babies and spend a little time every few days massaging our children and loved ones to keep that bond and to enhance our well being.

If you would like personal or professional advice on any of the above, you can contact Jo at jo@fromtheseed.co.uk.  from the seed offers bespoke holistic care from conception to baby and beyond,  for more info visit www.fromthe seed.co.uk

REVIEW:TODDLER MASSAGE

After a phenomenal and very successful body massage from Jo I decided to book my daughter in for a session of toddler massage.

My daughter has some major sleep issues and I was advised that massage is a wonderful way to ease a child into a relaxed and fulfilling long sleep. Having spoken to Jo about my daughters sleep issues at my massage, Jo had blended a beautiful oil for use in our session.

We were provided with a crib sheet to use at home, We started the session with my daughter sitting on the massage couch with her dolly and Jo showed her on her dolly George what she would be doing to her, my daughter thoroughly enjoyed this part and kit really put her at ease, as did Jo with her friendly motherly nature. When it came time to massage my daughter she really put Jo and I through our paces as she is very head strong and will do what she wants.

She was not to keen on the height of the massage couch so we set up camp on the floor, my daughter seemed to really enjoy the arm and leg massage and doing three little piggy’s on her toes, she especially adored doing the sun and moon massage on her tummy, she has a herniated belly button and this really eased some of the aching it causes. My daughter felt so free with the massage and in Jo’s warm friendly environment she felt the need to strip off entirely.

When we left my daughter fell asleep in her buggy within minutes of walking and slept for a good two hours, I am using the gentle back stroking and to settle her down on manic nights we do the piggy’s on her toes and some gentle leg and arm massage. I am finding she is sleeping far better and more often than not she is now sleeping through the night, so we now have a very happy and harmonious household.

HOW AROMATHERAPY CAN SUPPORT A NEW MUM AND HER ABILITY TO BREAST FEED

Breast feeding is one of the most natural things to do. We are able to sustain our babies from the production of our milk and create a long lasting bond. So why is it sometimes so hard to achieve this natural process?

New baby’s and mums have to learn how to do it properly. The baby needs to latch on in the correct way and mum needs to be comfortable and prepared to give her baby a fulfilling feed. If the mum is tired or stressed in anyway her ability to lactate may be compromised. If she is already looking after a toddler or deprived of sleep then this will affect her ability to feed.

Research shows time and time again that breast feed babies are healthier and even show better brain development.

An article recently reported in The Observer 13.3.11 states that ‘As little as four weeks of breastfeeding for a new-born infant has a "positive and significant effect" on brain development’

So why in this enlightened country are only  35% of UK infants  exclusively breastfed at one week old, 21% at six weeks, 7% at four months and just 3% at six months. A lot of it is pressure from women being forced back to work and also people’s attitudes to women breast feeding in public. This is something that we really need to change and encourage women to breastfeed whenever possible.

Support is paramount for this to be achieved, an understanding partner; a health professional to assist the mum in her ability to feed and the mother’s overall wellbeing.

Aromatherapy massage can be extremely beneficial at this stage of a women’s life. The post natal period for a woman is sometimes a very tough transition. Women find themselves in a position where they are often isolated and alone in their new found role. Seeking out help and receiving regular massage could be extremely beneficial for the mum and therefore enhancing her ability to care for her new baby. Essential Oils have properties that can revive, sedate, enliven or uplift. Massage should be performed in a side lying position to assist with over all comfort and essential oils should be diluted at 1% blend for application.

Breast feeding can make a woman’s shoulders and upper back feel achy so focus to the head, neck and shoulders can be very beneficial to ease any discomfort.  Arms may feel tired from holding and carrying an infant and legs may feel heavy from lack of sleep.  Seeking out a professional aromatherapist in the early days of motherhood may assist a new mum to make the transition to parenthood, provide support and give her the strength and confidence to care and nurture her baby.

If you would like personal or professional advice on any of the above, you can contact Jo at jo@fromtheseed.co.uk  

for more info visit www.fromthe seed.co.uk

from the seed offers bespoke holistic care from conception to baby and beyond in fiveways, Brighton