The levels of oxytocin during pregnancy and after birth are indications of well the mother and baby will bond after the baby is born.
A new study in the November issue of Psychological Science shows that the mother's level of oxytocin, also known as the "love hormone", plays a role in the mother's bonding behaviors with her newborn.
The 62 mothers who participated in the study were tested for oxytocin levels in their first and third trimesters as well as one month after the baby was born. The mothers were also observed for their interactions with their newborns. Researchers also asked the mothers how they felt and behaved toward their child.
The mothers who had higher oxytocin levels in their first trimesters were more likely to exhibit more bonding behaviors with their babies. Also, mothers with higher levels later in pregnancy or after birth showed more personalized bonding behaviors that would not have been easily duplicated by another adult such as singing they a special song or feeding them in a special way.
Researchers conclude that oxytocin "functions in humans just like in mammals [and] has a 'sensitizing' or 'priming' effect, just like in mammals, so that its elevation across pregnancy possibly prepares women to bond with their infants."
These are incredibly fascinating studies to read since they show that a mother's bond with her baby begins very early in pregnancy.
Brenda
