Oxytocin has increased release when a women starts to breastfeed. During that time, women often experience thirst and hunger. Some also have a short period of decreased heartrate and bloodpressure. The release of oxytocin faciliates interactions with the baby to help make the mother less anxious. High levels of circulating oxytocin are associated with greater attachment between mother and child.

There is also the triggering of aggression and the fight-flight response. Oxytocin promotes a protective response from the mother when she is within hostile or dangerous environments with her child.