Why Oxytocin Matters

As a whole, this book offers an informative look into the supporting evidence of the positive effects of oxytocin from pregnancy through childbirth, and the long-term bond between mother and baby thereafter. It also considers the downsides of missed opportunities to stimulate the release of oxytocin and how synthetic versions of the hormone is used to compensate. The author, Kerstin Uvnäs Moberg, one of the leading researchers on oxytocin, dives deep into the origin of the ‘hormone of health and life’, and how researchers came to understand its many useful functions; not only throughout pregnancy, but also in other relationships throughout a person's life.

Though written in a style best suited for the science-based learner, Moberg does well in maintaining a level of accessibility on the subject matter and accompanying facts throughout the book for the average reader, thus making for an easy-to-read overview on the science behind oxytocin and its relevancy in the wellbeing of mother and baby. ‘Why Oxytocin Matters' is divided into chapters with sub-sections, beginning with the basics of oxytocin and how it was discovered. The focus is then shifted to the supporting roll of the hormone during pregnancy and delivery, as well as a staggering number of benefits during breastfeeding due to the adaptive nature of oxytocin.