Impact on the Infant-Mother Relationship
Experimental studies have shown that for individuals who established a close attachment during infancy, the administration of oxytocin causes their memories of their mothers to appear more caring and attentive. Conversely, for those who experienced a relatively distant relationship with their mothers during infancy, oxytocin actually intensifies those negative memories.
Regulation of Secretion
The secretion of oxytocin is primarily regulated by neural reflexes. When an infant suckles at the nipple, sensory signals are transmitted to the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus, triggering the release of oxytocin. This release induces milk ejection from the mammary glands-a process known as the milk ejection reflex-which is classified as a neuroendocrine reflex. Building upon this foundation, conditioned reflexes can be established; consequently, stimuli such as the sound of an infant crying or the act of caressing an infant can also trigger milk ejection.
During childbirth, the compression and stretching of the cervix and vagina reflexively stimulate the secretion of oxytocin, thereby facilitating the delivery process. Although oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions, it is not the sole or decisive factor responsible for initiating the contractions that trigger labor. Furthermore, emotional states-such as fear or anxiety-can inhibit the secretion of oxytocin.