Many factors affect the bond between a newborn baby and their mother during the postpartum period. One of these is the presence of pheromones released from each other's bodies that can promote feelings of closeness and comfort. Pheromones are chemical signals released by an organism into the environment to convey specific messages about its state to other individuals. They play an essential role in social behavior and reproduction across species. Human infants and adults produce several types of pheromones, including lactation hormones and milk proteins that influence feeding behaviors.
The release of oxytocin is critical for establishing successful breastfeeding. Oxytocin is also known as the "cuddle" or "love hormone." It increases maternal bonding through nursing stimulation, which enhances feelings of pleasure, calmness, trust, and attachment. Breast milk contains high levels of oxytocin, which helps mothers create more milk when they feel stressed or anxious.
Oxytocin is produced in all stages of pregnancy and lactation to strengthen the parent-child relationship beyond just breastfeeding.
Pheromones like those present in breastmilk can activate sensory receptors in the infant's brain, leading to physical contact and skin-to-skin care, such as holding, rocking, or swaddling. This promotes the sense of safety and security necessary for proper cognitive development and emotional wellbeing. Infant crying is a natural way of communicating needs and seeking attention; it is also accompanied by pheromones that affect mother's physiology, increasing her responsiveness and attentiveness.
Infant cries contain odor molecules called fatty acids that signal hunger or discomfort to their parents. These compounds are detected by olfactory receptors on the mother's nose during suckling or feeding and contribute to the feeling of satisfaction afterward. Pheromones released from the baby's skin into the air can reduce stress in the mother by inducing relaxation responses similar to those induced by social touch or smell.
Pheromones influence hormonal changes in the mother's body associated with maternal behavior, including increased prolactin production, reduced cortisol (stress hormone), and enhanced bonding behaviors. They have been linked to improved maternal-infant interactions and health outcomes for both mother and child. Therefore, understanding how they work could lead to better supportive care practices and improved postpartum health.
How do pheromones influence mother-infant bonding beyond breastfeeding?
Pheromones are chemical signals released by animals that convey information about identity, reproductive status, and social rank. Pheromones play an important role in regulating a variety of behaviors including sexual attraction, aggression, fear, and territorial marking. The release of pheromones can also lead to hormonal changes which can affect mood, stress levels, and immune function.