Reasons Mothers Love Their Children

Why do mothers love their children? We could argue for the fact that they remind women of themselves at a younger age, but that negates the intense bond of an adoptive mom for her son or daughter. Natural childbirth advocates share statistics about the importance of bonding and imprinting at birth. However, we see mothers and children who were separated at birth and who are very attached to one another. All these factors and more play a role in the loving bond between a mother and her child.

Biology

Breastfeeding moms experience a release of hormones that enhance attachment with their infants.

A woman who is in a loving relationship with the father of her child is fortunate. The child benefits as they partner together to provide a safe and nurturing home for him. When a woman gives birth, her brain releases a mixture of hormones such as oxytocin and prolactin. With these natural chemicals rushing through her veins, she naturally experiences an intense attachment to her infant. These same hormones are released during breastfeeding, causing that close maternal-infant bond. The closeness at birth and during initial breastfeeding helps foster intimacy and trust between mother and child. This is not only beneficial to their relationship but to the survival of the infant. The human infant is the weakest in the animal kingdom. Human babies are the least mature of all baby mammals at birth.

Baby Wearing

Wearing baby in a sling helps promote closeness between mom and baby.

Skin to skin contact between mother and baby during waking and sleeping hours provides tactile stimulation that enhances the mother-child bond. Skin to skin contact with the mother helps a child's neurological development and provides a sense of security. Many moms find that baby-wearing or keeping baby close by wearing him in a sling helps facilitate this closeness. Co-sleeping is another way mothers and babies can stay close.

Protection

As a child grows from dependence to independence, the relationship between the mother and child changes, too.

Mothers feel protective over their children. They see their children's dependence on them and feel compelled to take care of them. An infant's big trusting eyes and round face are the epitome of vulnerability. A child's vulnerability is a catalyst for mothers to protect and care for their little ones. As a child grows, so do the mother's expectations of what he needs from her in the way of love and protection.

They See the Future

A mother knows her children will outgrow their need for mothering, but not their need for motherly love.

When a mother looks into her child's eyes, she sees the future. She knows there will come a time when her role as protector and provider will end, and a new relationship will emerge based on mutual love and friendship. Investing in the life of her children when they are small pays off later when they repay that kindness with friendship.