Oxytocin, or the `hormone of health and life', is well-known because of its effects in pregnancy and during breastfeeding: it stimulates contractions and is involved in milk ejection, and the synthetic version is often given to bring on or boost labour, and to prevent excess bleeding after birth. However, this single hormone is also present in people of all ages and directs a whole system of effects that have consequences for family life, including bonding, stress reduction, changes to metabolism and social interaction. In Why Oxytocin Matters Kerstin Uvnas Moberg, a leading oxytocin researcher, shows how a better understanding of biology can be immensely helpful for new parents and those who work to support families.
