Oxytocin plays a crucial role in emotional bonding - whether it is between romantic partners, parents, and children, or even owners and their pets. The hormone called the "love hormone" is naturally released into our body when we make love or make new friends. But apart from its role in social bonding and reproduction, oxytocin also helps mothers give birth. During labor Oxytocin stimulates powerful contractions, helping the cervix to dilate and open up in preparation for delivery. This is why it is often used as a drug to aid birth.