Oxytocin Deficiency?

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But what if oxytocin is released in the brain when people make social connections.
As a reward mechanism.
I'm not suggesting that the horomone itself makes you "normal" or anything.
Just that it might influence behavior. So whereas I don't like letting people into my mental space, talking about myself and that sort of thing, if there were some sort of biochemical reward for sharing and creating this sort of bond then I might be more prone to engage in such activity.

Just some thoughts.
I'll get back to my NSTherapy now.

:confused: But, I don't feel any more sociable when I'm nursing my baby, or even any more bonded with other people around me, just him. Is there any sense of reward when I nurse him, I don't know. It's a nice chance to be able to sit down long enough to catch up on reading, and it's nice to see him happy and satisfied, not crying. Other than that?

Excerpt from Oxytocin:The Cuddle Hormone
http://www.oxytocin.org/cuddle-hormone/

Although oxytocin is produced in both males and females and receptors for it are found all over the brains and reproductive systems of both sexes, the name oxytocin is derived originally from the Greek for "swift birth." ThatÆs fitting given that a synthetic form of the substance is currently administered to about 75 percent of all women entering labor and delivery rooms in the United States to induce or speed their labor, Witt said.

And...

Oxytocin is a pro-social hormone that affects the brain as a result of its interactions with gonadal steroids like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and corticosterone.

Interesting article.
Like everything else that has to do with the brain, they are still studing the effects.

Okaaaayyy... after reading thus far in this thread, I am more confused than ever. Yes, I read the NG article when it arrived on my doorstep (who could resist that cover? LOL)
Chamoisee's comments piqued my interest. I agree, it can't be the oxytocin itself that is the critical factor here. I've had 5 babies and nursed all of them; I'm certainly not oxytocin deficient.

Welcome back, Cindy (our dyslexic pretzel friend)

Hi Sophist. Long time no "see."
It's been months (maybe June?July?). So much stuff going on here it's not funny. We're trying to sell our house in PA, trying to get a house built in KY... I am soooooo sick of cleaning and then packing the kids in the car and leaving for an hour so strangers can walk through and not buy it anyway.
Supposedly a couple who has seen ot three times now is going to make an offer tomorrow...

Oxytocin is known as the 'Cuddle Drug', its production is stimulated by quiet cuddling with skin contant, it produces what is known as the Warm Fuzzies. the Warm Fuzzies is a definately warm and fuzzy radiating feeling at the Hara Chakra center, 3 fingers width above the navel.

my favorate Oxytocin position is for me to sit normally on a couch and have the woman first sit with her back to me at a 90 degree positionon my right side with her legs out on the length of the couch, she then rotates to her right to face me with her right arm around my waist, left arm around my sholder. my right arm around her waist and left arm around her sholder.. a pillow can be used to adjust leaning and height. chest and hara chakra together, with a light embrace.

the important thing here is Skin Contact, and quiet motionless contact. meditating on the breathing, a soft warm cover is really nice too. it is great to fall asleep this way for a while.