The investigators plan to conduct functional MRI scanning with a group of mothers who are
blindly and randomly assigned either intranasal oxytocin or a placebo. The purpose of this
investigation is to explore how oxytocin may modify early maternal brain and behavioral
responses to infant cues. This study will examine, for the first time, a potential
pharmacological intervention for maternal neglect which targets core neurobiological
deficits. This may eventually be used to supplement and augment other psychosocial and
behavioral interventions.
In addition, the investigators will examine sex differences in parental brain and behavioral
responses to oxytocin by also recruiting fathers to participate in a similar protocol.