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.
‘An informative look into the supporting evidence of the positive effects of oxytocin from pregnancy through childbirth’
Though the sections on breastfeeding are kept quite simple and on an introductory level, the book gives a nice overview of what oxytocin does and may help expectant mothers structure critical decisions. For health professionals in the birthing world, the information in the book can be used to clearly explain the role of oxytocin throughout the child-birthing process in a way that's easy for patients to grasp. Each chapter ends with a bulleted summary that highlights key points and takeaways. This makes it convenient for keeping key points in mind when moving on to the next chapter. Though the sections within each chapter are expansive, those who are more knowledgeable on the subject may find some sections too short to really be meaningful.
‘Information in the book can be used to clearly explain the role of oxytocin throughout the child-birthing process’
The book still presents much fact-based evidence on the positive effects of oxytocin in the short- and long-term. Thus, it shines a light on the substantial benefits that facilitating the production of oxytocin presents for both mother and baby. Of course, more could be said on the research surrounding how stress will impact the success of breastfeeding mothers, there's no doubt that this book is an insightful read. It's an interesting introduction to the topic of oxytocin for new parents, birth educators or anyone looking to work with mothers and babies. Evidence shows that this multifaceted hormone permeates many aspects of human life, development and relationship management from birth well into adulthood.
Since this is same oxytocin system that optimises social interaction, stress levels and stimulates growth throughout adolescent and adulthood, it only seems rational to take a closer look into the benefits of stimulating the release of the oxytocin in mothers and babies too. Moberg has successfully captured the relevancy of oxytocin as it concerns pregnancy, birth, skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding. Allowing the book to offer additional understanding even to those that may have prior knowledge on the subject.