Maternal bond

From Freepedia

The maternal bond is typically the relationship between a mother and her child. While maternity is usually established it may also occur between a woman and a younger person, commonly in adoption, without the two being related to each other. Cf. paternal bond.

Motherhood

The maternal bond between a woman and her biological child begins to develop during pregnancy, with her adapting her lifestyle to suit the needs of the developing infant. The mother also feels the baby move and respond. The developing child hears the mother's heart beat and voice and may respond to touch or movement. By the seventh month of pregnancy, two-thirds of women may report a strong maternal bond.[1] Situational factors may include the pregnant woman's own mother's parenting style, experienced stress, social support, and the influence of the partner.

The process of childbirth greatly adds to this bond.

Breastfeeding also fosters the early post-partum maternal bond, via oxytocin stimulation, touch, response, and mutual gazing.[2] Production of oxytocin can increase parasympathetic activity, while reducing anxiety and thus fostering bonding. This early bonding can also increase response and sensitivity to the child's needs, bolstering the quality of the mother-baby relationship.

Maternal oxytocin circulation can predispose women to form bonds and show bonding behaviour.[3]