July 18, 2008 7:42 AM
Breastfeeding, oxytocin and love
In yet another scientific nod to the things we moms already knew, researchers have found the scientific explanation for the link between bonding and breastfeeding. From the BBC News:
Breastfeeding trust hormone clue
The government advises exclusive breastfeeding for first six monthsScientists have for the first time shown how a "trust" hormone is released in the brains of breastfeeding mothers.
It is further proof that breastfeeding promotes the maternal bond through a biochemical process.
The team at Warwick University said the hormone oxytocin was known to be released during breastfeeding but the mechanism in the brain was unclear.
Oxytocin also produces contractions during labour and causes milk to be "let down" from the mammary glands.
The hormone is produced in the hypothalamus - the part of the brain that controls body temperature, thirst, hunger, anger and tiredness.
It has been shown to promote feelings of trust and confidence and to reduce fear.
Read entire article here.
And I thought you'd get a kick out of the title of the research paper: "Emergent synchronous bursting of oxytocin neuronal Network," published by the International Society for Computational Biology.
I could write a thesis here on why we choose not to just smell the roses but to spend so much on research confirming what generational wisdom has already provided. Remember when Time or Newsweek had a cover proclaiming that there really is a difference between boys and girls?
To God be the glory for creating this beautiful interweaving of mother and child which prepares the child for a lifetime of giving and receiving love. Have you ever wondered why the timetable for other species to walk and become self-sufficient is so much shorter?
I think it's because since we were created in God's image we have so much to learn on our way to becoming conformed to it. But it starts with love and trust.
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photo courtesy Damon Hart-Davis
Special note: please do not read any judgment here about moms who bottle feed. Because of Jonny's medical problems I was not able to nurse him, nor did I nurse my adopted children. But the nursing model of snuggling and intense eye contact can be duplicated - and I would not be surprised if an emotional atmosphere was created which also triggered the oxytocins. The important factor would be the intense involvement of the mother in feeding the baby. Do I think this can happen 100% of the time? Realistically, as a mother of 12, I must say no. I can only do my best and hope God can make up for the difference between the ideal and the reality :)
See also Baby's smile makes mom high
Posted in Babies, Mothering | Permalink
Comments
Barbara,
Great post. While I was unable to breast feed both babies at the same time, I made the most of it by staring at them! It was still a wonderful experience. And dad got to get in on the staring too. I sure miss those days of snuggly little babies. (not the premie part, but you know what I'm sayin')
Oh and on a side note:
Last night as we were tucking the kids into bed, I went towards the light dimmer on the wall and dimmed the lights and I turned to walk back to Abbey's bed and she had her bottom lip out so far and a tear rolling down her cheek and a little huff in the breath....she was sad it was time for bed and didn't want to see us go, but she looked at me and I told her it was ok to cry (she made me cry).......it was the tenderest moment and she absolutely broke my heart....in the end she looked at me as if to say "..........i'm tryin' not to cry and I'm tryin' to be brave..........................oh I am crying right now! I gave her her "star book" (Twinkle Twinkle Little Star) and she laid down, put her two first fingers in her mouth and drifted off.
Posted by: Shannon Best | July 18, 2008 11:21 AM
Well, huh. Go figure. God designed it all quite well. =)
I'm hoping more "new discoveries" will follow that confront some of our goofy ideas about birth strongly enough to overcome the effects of litigation and fear based obstetrics. (That's a lot to hope for, I know!)
Posted by: Marian | July 18, 2008 3:07 PM
Hello Barbara,
I thank you for your post on breast feeding. I am a mother of 4. My youngest is 4 months and my oldest is 14years. I have experienced both bottle feeding and breast feeding. When my 2 oldest boys were born I was young, had no idea of how my body was supposed to work and I had no support. I gave up with in weeks after their births. Years later I had my 3rd child a girl. I was determined I was going to give her what I was unable to give the boys. I did so much reading about breast feeding and got hooked up with a breast feeding support group. She nursed until she was 2 1/2 years old and we are well on our way with our new baby girl. I wont pretend that it was not challenging at times however the rewards well out weighed the struggles. I find myself wishing I could go back through time and give the boys that special time with mom as well. I love my boys so dearly but the bond I developed with my daughters during this intimate time of breast feeding was so much more harmonious. The only way I can describe it is tranquility. The boys were difficult babies for me. Looking back I dont know if it was due to a lack of experience or oxytocin. I do know that many people tell me that my girls are the happiest babies that they have ever seen. I do attribute this to the closeness of attachment parenting and breast feeding. I do understand that some women cant or feel they cant breast feed for what ever reason just as I did, but having been on both sides of the issue I strongly believe breast fed is best fed.
Posted by: april yates | July 19, 2008 10:25 PM
