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The Science of Oxytocin: How Prenatal Massage Promotes Connection and Calm

Writer's picture: Samantha Davis, LMT, CNMTSamantha Davis, LMT, CNMT

pink background with chemical symbol for Oxytocin in red. logo for Louisville Prenatal Massage appears in the corner

Oxytocin is often called the "love hormone" or "cuddle hormone" for a good reason. This powerful neurotransmitter and hormone play a vital role in emotional bonding, relaxation, and overall well-being. It is particularly significant during pregnancy, birth, postpartum recovery, and lactation. Understanding how to naturally boost oxytocin, including through prenatal massage, can help expectant and new parents foster deeper connections and experience a more positive transition into parenthood.


What is Oxytocin?

Oxytocin is a hormone produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland. It is best known for its role in social bonding, stress reduction, and childbirth. Oxytocin helps strengthen emotional connections, lowers cortisol levels (the stress hormone), and supports physiological processes such as labor contractions and milk ejection during breastfeeding.


How Do Prenatal Massage & Massage Therapy Release Oxytocin?

Massage therapy is a powerful way to stimulate oxytocin release. The gentle, rhythmic touch of massage encourages relaxation, reduces stress, and promotes feelings of safety and connection. Here’s how massage therapy helps boost oxytocin:

  • Skin-to-skin contact: Physical touch activates sensory receptors that signal the brain to release oxytocin.

  • Stress reduction: Massage lowers cortisol levels, which allows oxytocin to flow more freely.

  • Pain relief: By easing tension and discomfort, massage fosters relaxation and enhances the body’s natural ability to produce oxytocin.

  • Nervous system regulation: Massage promotes a parasympathetic state (rest and digest mode), which enhances oxytocin production and supports emotional well-being.


Other Ways to Naturally Boost Oxytocin

In addition to prenatal massage, many activities help increase oxytocin levels, including:

  • Skin-to-skin contact: Holding hands, hugging, and cuddling release oxytocin and promote bonding.

  • Laughter and social connection: Spending quality time with loved ones strengthens relationships and boosts oxytocin.

  • Gentle exercise and movement: Activities like yoga and stretching encourage oxytocin production by reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

  • Deep breathing and meditation: Mindfulness practices help regulate emotions and support oxytocin release.

  • Eating certain foods: Dark chocolate and other comforting foods may contribute to oxytocin release and overall feelings of pleasure and well-being.


The Role of Oxytocin in Well-Being

Oxytocin plays a crucial role in emotional and physical health. It enhances trust, promotes feelings of safety, and contributes to lower stress levels. Higher oxytocin levels are associated with:

  • Improved emotional resilience

  • Lower anxiety and depression

  • Stronger social connections and empathy

  • Reduced pain perception

  • Better sleep quality


Oxytocin and Bonding

Oxytocin is essential in deepening bonds with partners, family members, and friends. It enhances intimacy and trust, reinforcing emotional connections that improve relationships. Simple acts of kindness, affectionate touch, and shared experiences all help maintain and strengthen these bonds.


For both birthing and non-birthing parents, oxytocin plays a key role in bonding with their newborn. Skin-to-skin contact, eye contact, and gentle touch ( including infant massage!) help release oxytocin, fostering a sense of attachment and security.


Oxytocin’s Role in Pregnancy and Postpartum


During pregnancy, oxytocin helps maintain a sense of calm and well-being. As labor approaches, oxytocin levels rise, triggering contractions and facilitating birth. After delivery, oxytocin continues to support postpartum healing by:

  • Encouraging uterine contractions to reduce postpartum bleeding

  • Strengthening emotional bonding with the newborn

  • Enhancing relaxation and reducing the risk of postpartum depression

  • Supporting breastfeeding by stimulating milk ejection


Final Thoughts

Oxytocin is truly a remarkable hormone, playing a central role in emotional well-being, bonding, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and lactation. Prenatal massage is a wonderful way to naturally enhance oxytocin production, helping expectant and new parents feel more connected, relaxed, and supported. By incorporating massage and other oxytocin-boosting activities into daily life, parents can create a nurturing and loving environment for themselves and their baby.


If you’re expecting and want to experience the benefits of prenatal massage for oxytocin release, relaxation, and overall well-being, consider booking a session to support your journey into parenthood.



Owner Louisville Prenatal Massage and LMT , Samantha Davis is the author of this blog post.



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