Do Hormones Impact How We Care for Our Babies?

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Oxytocin is often referred to as the “love hormone” because of its important role in facilitating and promoting bonding and connection. A large body of research shows oxytocin to be a key hormone involved in social and affiliative behaviors, including parent-infant bonding.

It is well-known that oxytocin plays an important role in facilitating labor, breastfeeding, and maternal behavior. It is less well-known that men also experience an increase in this hormone during the transition to fatherhood.

A study of 160 first-time parents (80 couples) examined oxytocin levels across the first six months of parenthood. Oxytocin levels increased similarly in mothers and fathers from the first weeks after childbirth to six months postpartum. That is, there were no differences between mothers' and fathers' oxytocin levels. Additionally, there was an interdependent relationship between cohabitating parents during this time as it related to levels of oxytocin (i.e., oxytocin levels of co-parents were interrelated).

While oxytocin levels increase in similar levels for the same function (i.e., parent-infant bonding), does it look the same in mothers and fathers? The short answer is no.

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Parent-Infant Interactions

There is a positive association between parent-infant contact and oxytocin levels; however, there are differences between mothers and fathers in what parenting behaviors look like as it relates to its connection with oxytocin levels (Feldman et al, 2010; Gordon et al., 2010). Maternal oxytocin levels are associated with affectionate parenting behaviors, such as cradling, rocking, cuddling, kissing, and hugging. Maternal oxytocin levels, however, were not associated with stimulatory, play-based parenting behaviors, such as active exploration and "rough-and-tumble" play. Conversely, paternal oxytocin levels are associated with stimulatory, play-based parenting behaviors, but not affectionate parenting behaviors.

Why do these differences exist? In response to the above findings, Dr. John Krystal, Editor of Biological Psychiatry, stated “These differences may reflect the impact of culture-specific role expectations, but they also may be indicative of distinct circuit effects of oxytocin in the male and female brain.”

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It is important to note that neither maternal affectionate care nor paternal stimulatory care is superior. Instead, it should be understood that interactive behaviors, whether through affection or play, promote connection and bonding between parent and child. A parent should strive to engage in pro-social parenting behaviors that feel good to them and allow them to connect with their child (i.e., release oxytocin!).

Bottom Line

Both mothers and fathers experience increased oxytocin levels during the transition to parenthood as a biological means of promoting parent-infant bonding. There may be gendered differences in the ways we typically observe parent-child interactions that are promoted through the stimulation of oxytocin. Research demonstrates oxytocin stimulation when mothers engage in affectionate parenting behaviors as compared to dads who receive this benefit through stimulatory, play-based interactions.

Neither is superior; rather, the reinforcement of oxytocin during these interactions leads to stronger parent-child attachment bonds.