This study is designed to learn more about maternal hormone levels involved in lactation and their relationship to breastfeeding experiences and outcomes in women who received oxytocin as a part of their birth (compared to those who did not) over the first four weeks after birth.

Why is the study being done?

In this study, we will learn about the levels of two hormones, oxytocin and prolactin. We will study these levels in a mother's blood during the first week postpartum in women who received the medication Pitocin to prevent excessive bleeding after the birth of the placenta. We will also study these hormone levels in women who did not receive the medication Pitocin. We will compare these levels from the beginning of a breastfeeding session with hormone levels at the end of a breastfeeding session. We will also learn about women's experiences of breastfeeding and during the first four weeks following their birth. We hope to learn more about the following: 

1. About the relationship between the synthetic form of the hormone oxytocin (commonly known as Pitocin) and the relationship to a mother's lactation hormones during the early days of breastfeeding.

2. About the relationship between a mother's lactation hormone levels and breastfeeding experiences in the early days of breastfeeding. 

3. About the relationship of between a mother's lactation hormone levels in the early days of breastfeeding and her breastfeeding experiences at four weeks postpartum.

Who do I contact for more information?

Recruitment for this study is limited to women after delivery during the postpartum recovery in the OS hospital, participating cannot be arranged prior to giving birth. Potential participants will be approached by study team members during this period, they cannot sign up for the study ahead of time.

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