The purpose of this program of research is to examine the physiologic role of the neuropeptide and hormone, oxytocin, and the use of pharmaceutical oxytocin administration during childbirth, on outcomes relevant to childbearing women. These outcomes include postpartum hemorrhage and breastfeeding/ lactation, both of which involve oxytocin function. Through a series of studies and manuscripts, the aims of this work are to 1) investigate the premise for clinical oxytocin use in postpartum hemorrhage prevention, specifically in lower-risk populations, and 2) assess downstream effects of oxytocin use during labor and birth on lactation hormones and breastfeeding outcomes