Certified Lactation Consultant Practice Exam 2025 - Free Lactation Consultant Practice Questions and Study Guide

Oxytocin plays a crucial role during breastfeeding primarily through its function in facilitating milk ejection from the mammary glands. When a baby latches onto the breast and suckles, the sensory stimulation triggers the release of oxytocin from the posterior pituitary gland. This hormone causes the myoepithelial cells surrounding the milk ducts to contract, which aids in the movement of milk from the alveoli (where it is produced) through the ducts and out of the nipple.

This milk ejection reflex, often referred to as the let-down reflex, is essential for effective breastfeeding as it ensures that the baby receives an adequate supply of milk. Without the action of oxytocin, the process of milk ejection would be impaired, hindering the breastfeeding experience for both the mother and the infant.

While oxytocin may also have other benefits such as potentially enhancing maternal mood and possibly offering some protective effects against infections, these are secondary to its primary role in milk movement during lactation.