Suckling sends neural feedback to the hypothalamus which responds by releasing the hormone, oxytocin, from the posterior pituitary gland. oxytocin, informally dubbed "the love hormone", promotes both maternal bonding and stimulation of smooth muscle-type contraction in the mammary glands. these contractions compress the milk-filled ducts to expel their contents through the only available opening, the nipple. oxytocin is responsible for milk release, but which hormone stimulates milk production?