During pregnancy, levels of estrogen and progesterone are high and stimulate the production of dopamine. Dopamine inhibits the production of prolactin. Because of this, prolactin is not produced during pregnancy. After childbirth, levels of estrogen and progesterone plummet, no longer stimulating the production of dopamine. Without dopamine present, prolactin's production is no longer inhibited. Both prolactin and oxytocin are needed for<unk>  to occur. Oxytocin secretion is stimulated by suckling. Suckling sends sensory input to the central nervous system where higher brain centers block dopamine and release oxytocin. The presence of oxytocin triggers the secretion of prolactin. Prolactin regulates the production of milk and delivery of that milk into the alveoli of breast tissue where it waits to be excreted. Oxytocin regulates the excretion of milk by targeting the layer of smooth muscle cells that surround the alveoli, causing them to contract. As this muscle contracts, milk is forced out of the alveoli, through ducts, and out of the breast via the nipple. The prolactin that is being secreted during one round of feeding is making milk for the next round of feeding. Oxytocin is expelling milk that was made during the last feeding. A<unk>  mother's<unk>  is decreased because higher amounts of prolactin inhibit GnRH through a direct relationship. The less prolactin there is secreted, the less inhibition occurs. Inhibition and<unk>  have an inverse relationship. The less inhibition that occurs, the higher the<unk>  rate will be. If there are fewer suckling events, there will be less prolactin production. If suckling ceases, prolactin levels will return to those of a non-pregnant woman.
Breastfeeding and fertility
Breastfeeding and mental health
Nutrition and Cancer
Abortion and mental health
Nutrition and pregnancy
Reproductive endocrinology and infertility
Nutrition psychology
Sexual motivation and hormones