July 18, 2008 1:21 PM
Baby's smile makes mom high
More on the science behind motherhood:
Baby's smile gives mom a natural highNEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A baby's smile does more than warm a mother's heart -- it also lights up the reward centers of her brain, according to the results of a brain imaging study.
The finding, investigators say, could go a long way in helping researchers dissect the unique bond between mother and infant and how it sometimes goes wrong.
"The relationship between mothers and infants is critical for child development," Dr. Lane Strathearn, of the Human Neuroimaging Laboratory at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston noted in a statement.
"For whatever reason, in some cases, that relationship doesn't develop normally. Neglect and abuse can result, with devastating effects on a child's development," Strathearn explained.
Read entire article here.
See also Breastfeeding, oxytocin and love
Photo: Benjamin Michael Curtis circa 1986
Posted in Babies, Mothering | Permalink
Comments
oh so true!
Posted by: Tara R | July 18, 2008 4:02 PM
I know that cutie just put a big smile on my face!
Posted by: Kim | July 18, 2008 4:51 PM
