Most pregnant women assume that their maternal instinct will be awakened immediately after birth. This does not always happen. It is therefore worth remembering that most of the behaviour we encounter is the result of culturally and socially conditioned behaviour. Of course, we are helped by hormones secreted by the body. One of these is oxytocin - i.e. the hormone responsible not only for uterine contractions during childbirth, but also for feelings of closeness to other people. Oxytocin strengthens the bond between child and mother.