The Oxyflower, designed by award winning Artist Kirstie Macleod, is inspired by the molecular structure of Oxytocin.

Oxytocin is a hormone that induces feelings of well-being, connection and relaxation. It's released in our bodies when we hug or kiss someone we love. The oxytocin in human milk enhances these feelings in both the child and the mother. 

Oxytocin also causes the milk-ejection reflex, or letdown. It is carried through the bloodstream to the breast, where it causes contractions that carry the milk forward into the ducts. The milk then becomes available to our tiny humans through the nipple openings.

It also causes contractions of the uterus, which help to control bleeding after birth and shrink the uterus back to its pre-pregnancy size. The mother's uterus contracts during feeds and for up to 20 minutes after the feed.

Oxytocin; love and practicality in one place. In the words of Liz Fraser in Massive Attack's song Teardrop: “Love, love is a verb, love is a doing word”. Is that not the very definition of motherhood?