37: Oxytocin, Touch, and the Chemistry of Connection 🧸 🧪

In this episode, I explore oxytocin, the hormone and neuropeptide at the center of bonding, attachment, stress regulation, and healing. 🧸 🧪

Drawing from Dr. Sue Carter’s groundbreaking research on oxytocin and the biology of love, modern neuroscience, and Scripture, this conversation reveals how connection is not optional - we were designed FOR it.

You’ll learn how oxytocin shapes the nervous system, buffers stress, and even influences common lab patterns - and why healing was never meant to happen in isolation.

🎧 In This Episode, We Cover:

• What oxytocin really is (beyond “the bonding hormone”)

• Dr. Sue Carter’s research on attachment, caregiving, and stress buffering

• How oxytocin regulates the nervous system, amygdala, and vagus nerve

• Why touch is a biological and sacred need, not an indulgence

• The role of oxytocin in infancy, motherhood, and attachment

• How oxytocin continues to support adult emotional safety and resilience

• Common lab markers influenced by low oxytocin signaling, including:

  • Cortisol patterns

  • Heart rate variability (HRV)

  • Inflammation (hs-CRP)

  • Blood sugar regulation

  • Sleep quality

• Why isolation and chronic stress disrupt healing

• Practical ways to support healthy oxytocin signaling in daily life

  • Contact napping to build baby brains!

  • Hugs

  • Massage

  • Community & conversation!

• How science affirms the biblical truth that we were not created to be alone

💛 RESOURCES & LINKS

• Learn more about ⁠Nurture Functional Medicine⁠

• Follow NFM (⁠@nurturefunctionalmedicine⁠) and Carly on Instagram (⁠@carlybaylesswellness⁠)

🙋‍♀️ WANT HELP?

We’d love to support you. ⁠Schedule a free discovery call with us at Nurture Functional Medicine.