Dr. Sarah Buckley discusses oxytocin and its role in birth and breastfeeding. Synthetic oxytocin, used in medical interventions during birth, is chemically identical to natural oxytocin. However, it is unclear whether synthetic oxytocin crosses the blood-brain barrier and affects mental health. In this conversation, Dr. Sarah Buckley shares the effects of synthetic oxytocin and epidurals on labor and birth. They clarify that oxytocin does not cross the blood-brain barrier or the placenta in significant amounts, debunking the myth that synthetic oxytocin can harm babies directly.
However, we acknowledge that synthetic oxytocin can cause indirect harm by increasing stress levels and overriding the body's natural pain relief systems. We also explore the concept of hormonal gaps and discuss the importance of skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding in filling these gaps and promoting bonding between mother and baby.