The bond between a mother and her baby is one of the most special relationships in life. This bond begins to form even before birth, as the baby hears the mother’s voice and heartbeat from inside the womb. After birth, one of the ways mothers and babies continue to strengthen this bond is through breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding provides many known health benefits for both mother and baby. But does breastfeeding actually lead to a stronger emotional bond between mother and child? Let’s take a closer look at what research says about the effects of breastfeeding on the mother-child relationship.
Skin-to-Skin Contact
One of the key ways breastfeeding may promote bonding is through skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby. Skin-to-skin contact, sometimes called “kangaroo care,” involves placing the naked baby directly on the mother’s bare chest and abdomen immediately after birth. This skin contact is continued through breastfeeding.
Studies show that skin-to-skin contact right after birth helps stabilize the newborn’s heart rate, breathing, and blood sugar levels. It also promotes early breastfeeding. Importantly, research also suggests that this early skin-to-skin time enhances mother-infant bonding and attachment.
For example, a 2019 study found that mothers who held their newborns skin-to-skin for at least 60 minutes after birth were more likely to be breastfeeding exclusively at 1 month postpartum. They also reported lower rates of maternal separation anxiety compared to mothers with shorter early skin-to-skin contact.
Likewise, a 2018 randomized controlled trial found that just 15 minutes of skin-to-skin contact after a C-section resulted in improved mother-infant bonding at 2 hours and 2 months postpartum compared to standard care. The skin-to-skin group also had higher rates of exclusive breastfeeding at 2 months.
Oxytocin Release
Breastfeeding may also promote bonding through the release of oxytocin. Oxytocin is sometimes called the “love hormone” or “cuddle chemical” because levels of this hormone rise during hugging, touching, labor and delivery, and breastfeeding.
Research shows that breastfeeding triggers oxytocin release in both mother and baby. Oxytocin promotes feelings of calm, well-being, and bonding. So by stimulating oxytocin release, breastfeeding may strengthen the mother-child bond.
For example, a 2007 study measured oxytocin levels in new breastfeeding mothers. Oxytocin levels increased substantially during breastfeeding or pumping. Mothers also reported feeling calmer and less anxious after breastfeeding/pumping compared to bottle-feeding, which aligned with oxytocin release.
Other studies show that breastfed infants have higher oxytocin levels compared to formula-fed infants. This oxytocin release may program the infant’s brain for long-term bonding and attachment behaviors.
Eye Contact
The act of breastfeeding encourages close face-to-face contact and eye gazing between mother and baby. This repeated eye contact during breastfeeding may support bonding by activating the same brain regions associated with emotional connections.
One small 2016 study measured brain activity in mothers viewing photos of their own babies versus unrelated babies. Photos of their own babies activated key brain areas involved in emotion, empathy, face recognition, and theory of mind – the ability to understand others’ mental states.
The researchers concluded that the extreme intimacy of eye gazing during breastfeeding may activate these same brain systems, strengthening an emotional attachment between mother and infant.
Responsiveness
Breastfeeding requires a high degree of maternal responsiveness to infant cues like rooting, sucking, and crying. This repeated responsiveness to the infant’s needs results in a synchronized mother-child dyad which supports bonding.
Research shows that maternal responsiveness is associated with secure mother-infant attachment in childhood. Actively breastfeeding shows babies that their needs will be met consistently and lovingly, helping them form expectations of others. This sets the stage for trust and connectedness.
One study found that breastfeeding for at least 6 months was linked to mothers being more sensitively attuned to their babies at 9 months old. The researchers concluded that breastfeeding may enhance maternal responsiveness, benefitting bonding.
Physical Closeness
Breastfeeding requires the mother and baby to spend time in close physical contact several times per day. This repeated physical closeness and the act of nursing at the breast provide sensory stimulation that may reinforce bonding.
Research shows that early physical closeness is crucial for mother-infant bonding in mammals. Studies in rats suggest that the tactile stimulation from licking and nursing shapes the infant brain circuits involved in emotional attachments.
While more research is still needed, human studies likewise indicate that the sensory experience of breastfeeding activates brain regions involved in bonding, which strengthens the mother-infant relationship over time.
Exclusivity
Breastfeeding is typically an exclusive relationship between mother and baby, especially in the early months. Breastfed infants may see their mothers as their primary source of comfort and security because only she can provide the act of breastfeeding.
This exclusivity of the breastfeeding relationship results in frequent one-on-one time between mother and baby. Research indicates that this alone time helps enhance bonding by allowing the dyad to be completely in-tune with each other.
In particular, studies show that breastfeeding exclusively for 6 months or longer is associated with stronger maternal bonding than mixed feeding. This suggests that the exclusivity of breastfeeding strengthens the mother-child connection.
Reduced Stress Response
Research shows that breastfed babies exhibit a lower physiological stress response compared to formula-fed infants. The act of breastfeeding seems to have a calming effect on babies.
For instance, studies show that breastfed preterm babies have lower cortisol levels compared to those fed expressed breastmilk or formula. This indicates that the physical act of nursing at the breast has a unique soothing impact.
By reducing infant stress, breastfeeding may support bonding. A calmer baby is more able to focus its awareness on its mother and interact with her in a synchronized manner that enhances their connection.
Longer Duration of Breastfeeding
Mothers who breastfeed for longer durations tend to report stronger emotional bonds with their nurslings compared to those who breastfeed for shorter periods.
For example, studies show that mothers who breastfeed for at least 6 months exhibit less maternal separation anxiety, higher maternal bonding scores, and a greater likelihood of a secure attachment with their infants.
The reasons for this link are likely multifaceted. But it appears that the longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding facilitates repeated intimate contact that gradually strengthens the mother-child bond over time.
Protection Against Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression can interfere with developing a strong bond between mother and infant in early life. There is evidence that breastfeeding may protect against postpartum depression for some women.
For instance, a large 2020 study found that women who exclusively breastfed for 6 months had a lower risk of postpartum depression compared to those who formula fed or mixed fed. The researchers concluded breastfeeding provides mood-boosting hormones that counteract postpartum depression.
By protecting against postpartum depression, breastfeeding may enable a healthier bond to develop through increased maternal responsiveness, emotional availability, and engagement with the infant.
Enhanced Cognitive Development
Some research indicates breastfed babies have slight advantages in cognitive development over formula fed infants, though findings are mixed.
Stronger cognitive abilities in breastfed babies could indirectly benefit the mother-child bond. For example, higher cognition may allow breastfed babies to be more socially engaging and interactive with their mothers very early on.
In turn, the enhanced interactivity and responsiveness of the breastfed baby may motivate the mother to further nurture the relationship, creating a positive cycle that reinforces bonding behaviors.
Conclusion
In summary, there are many biologically plausible reasons to believe that breastfeeding enhances the mother-infant bond thanks to oxytocin release, physical closeness, responsiveness and other factors.
However, it’s important to note that a strong mother-baby bond is absolutely possible with bottle feeding too. Nurturing interactions like eye contact, talking, singing, and responding lovingly to the baby’s needs are still crucial for bonding over and above breastfeeding itself.
For mothers who are unable to or choose not to breastfeed, rest assured that a secure attachment relationship is still attainable by making the most of early bonding opportunities through skin contact, quality time together, and sensitive responsiveness.
While breastfeeding may confer some bonding benefits, it does not guarantee a strong mother-child relationship on its own. The good news is that regardless of feeding method, bonding is ultimately about the unconditional love and care you provide your baby in those precious first weeks and months of life.
Key Points
- Breastfeeding may promote bonding through skin-to-skin contact, oxytocin release, eye gazing, responsiveness to cues, and physical closeness between mother and baby.
- Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months or longer is linked to stronger maternal bonding compared to mixed feeding or shorter durations.
- Breastfeeding may reduce postpartum depression risk, indirectly facilitating better bonding through increased maternal emotional availability.
- Enhanced cognitive development in breastfed babies could allow them to be more interactive and engaged with mothers early on.
- However, a strong bond is absolutely possible with bottle feeding too through nurturing interactions like eye contact, talking, singing, and sensitive responsiveness.
The Bottom Line
Research indicates breastfeeding can provide some biological advantages for strengthening the mother-infant bond thanks to oxytocin release, skin contact, and frequent one-on-one time. However, loving, responsive interactions are the most essential component for bonding over and above breastfeeding itself.
While breastfeeding may have bonding benefits, bottle-feeding parents can also foster a strong attachment relationship through sensitive, nurturing care and quality time together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does breastfeeding make babies more attached to their mothers?
Studies show that breastfeeding facilitates bonding between mother and baby in several ways. The skin-to-skin contact, oxytocin release, eye gazing, and physical closeness involved in nursing all contribute to an enhanced mother-infant attachment compared to bottle feeding.
Do formula fed babies bond with mom?
Absolutely. While breastfed babies may have a slight bonding advantage, formula fed babies can and do establish strong bonds with their mothers through loving care, physical contact like hugging or babywearing, skin-to-skin time, responding sensitively to cues, talking, singing, and quality one-on-one time together.
Does bottle feeding affect bonding?
Bottle feeding does not negatively impact bonding. Formula fed babies bond securely with their mothers. The key is still having lots of close contact, skin-to-skin time, responding promptly and lovingly to baby’s needs, gazing into their eyes, talking, singing, and ensuring quality time together. These nurturing interactions build a strong bond.
Do babies prefer mom or dad?
In the first 6 months, babies often show a preference for their mothers, likely because mom provides food and comfort through breastfeeding or bottle feeding. By 6-9 months, babies start bonding more equally with both parents. Keep in mind all babies have unique personalities and temperaments that influence how readily they bond.
Does breastfeeding make babies smarter?
Some research indicates breastfed infants score slightly higher on cognitive tests later in childhood compared to formula fed babies. However, the difference is small and likely explained by other factors like socioeconomic status. Both formula fed and breastfed babies reach intellectual milestones on a similar timeframe.
Table Comparing Breastfed vs. Formula Fed Babies
| Characteristic | Breastfed Babies | Formula Fed Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Bonding Hormones | Higher oxytocin levels | Lower oxytocin levels |
| Responsiveness | Mother must respond frequently to breastfeed on demand | Can rely on bottle on fixed schedule |
| Skin-to-Skin Time | Repeated through breastfeeding | Must consciously prioritize |
| Stress Response | Lower cortisol levels | Higher cortisol levels |
| Cognitive Development | Slightly higher scores on some tests | Slightly lower scores on some tests |