Most people know that the feel-good hormone oxytocin is released during breastfeeding, but did you know it's also released during yoga and even when you give hugs?
Oxytocin is a hormone that helps mothers in particular: increasing our pain tolerance in labor, bringing on contractions, encouraging mother-baby bonding and increasing milk letdown, for instance.
Oxytocin is helpful for everybody, though. It lowers blood pressure, increases our ability to deal with stress and anxiety, promotes growth and healing, calms our moods, helps with pain management and increases feelings of security and trust. These are things that everybody can use!
Here's twenty-five great ways to naturally raise oxytocin levels and relieve stress in yourself and your kids using Attachment Parenting principles.
- Breastfeeding
- Natural childbirth (drugs like Pitocin have been found to block oxytocin release)
- Kangaroo Care (especially vital for premature and sick babies)
- Giving (and getting) hugs
- Cuddling
- Giving (and getting) back rubs
- Butterfly touches
- Holding your child
- Reading with your child in your lap
- Massage
- Meditation
- Petting animals
- Co-sleeping
- Carrying your little one in a sling
- Doing yoga
- Floor time (face to face) with babies
- Rocking your little one in a rocking chair
- Holding hands
- Gently brushing your child's hair
- Applying lotion or oil to your baby
- Giving kisses
- Play wrestling with kids
- Listening to Elvis Presley music (or other emotionally stirring music)
- Patting your teen on the back
- Feeling loved and supported
Of course, parents can also raise their own oxytocin levels together in the bedroom, which is one of the most effective ways of all.
Research has also shown that just being around people with high oxytocin levels raises our own levels, though they are not sure why.
This is a great reminder to touch our babies, express our love and otherwise connect with our children!
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