Like a fire alarm sounding in a building, the cry of a newborn triggers a response in the brain of their mother. This response comes in the form of a flood of oxytocin, a chemical that controls the release of breast milk. Picture this: each cry from the baby is like another pull on the lever of a vending machine, releasing oxytocin in bursts that last for about five minutes before gradually slowing down. This allows mothers to feed their babies until they are satisfied or until another cry signals the need for more milk. The study, which was done with rodents as stand-ins for humans, provides valuable insights into the intricate circuitry of the maternal brain and could potentially lead to a better understanding of breastfeeding-related issues. To dive deeper into this fascinating research, check out the link below!
