oxytocin
n.n. a hormone in your body that helps you feel love, trust, and connection with others. It is also released when you have a baby or during sex.
n. a hormone and neurotransmitter produced in the hypothalamus and secreted by the posterior pituitary gland. It plays a central role in social bonding, maternal behavior, and sexual activity.
Oxytocin helps mothers bond with their newborn babies.
Researchers found that people who spent time with their pets had higher levels of oxytocin in their blood.
The release of oxytocin during labor and delivery is essential for the physiological and emotional transition of the mother to her new role as a caregiver.
From oxytocic, from Ancient Greek ὀξύς (oxús, “swift”) + τόκος (tókos, “childbirth”, from τίκτω (tíktō, “I give birth”)).