Stimulation of the cervix and vagina during natural birth releases hormones that generate powerful feelings critical to a woman’s performance as a mother immediately after delivery.

But a Caesarean delivery in which the baby is removed from the womb via a surgical incision in the abdominal wall alters the “neurohormonal experience” of birth, increasing the risk that mother and baby will fail to bond.

Doctors from the Child Study Centre at Yale University, who used brain scans to study the brain activity of 20 first-time mothers, found those who had delivered vaginally were more responsive to their baby’s cry two to four weeks after delivery. Those who delivered by Caesarean were less responsive.

The study involved 12 new mothers who were having their first baby, six of whom had a vaginal delivery and six a Caesarean “planned for convenience”. The mothers listened to recorded cries of their babies two to four weeks after delivery. James Swain, lead author of the study published in The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, said: “More women wait until they are older to have children, and by association [are] more likely to have a Caesarean delivery. These results are important because they could provide better understanding of the basic neurophysiology and psychology of parent-infant attachment.”

Belinda Phipps, chief executive of the National Childbirth Trust, said that bonding between mother and baby was extremely important.

“Women who have a Caesarean should be encouraged to cuddle their newborn against their skin straight after birth and be offered help to feed and care for their baby. A Caesarean section is necessary in some cases and can save lives – however, surgery can create more problems than it solves.”

Related Articles:

• STUDY: Breast Feeding Releases A Bonding Hormone
• Study: Lack Of Tummy Time Could Mean Developmental Delay in Babies
• Study: Vitamin D Intake During Pregnancy Linked To Kids’ Dental Health
• Study: Breast Milk Protects Girls Better Than Boys

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I came across this amazing video clip over at Parentdish.com

Dalton Sherman was selected to be the keynote speaker for the Dallas area Convocation because this 8 year-old is not only inspirational but his speech his poignant and relevant.

One Youtuber commented:

“What a reminder of the HEART AND SOUL that is needed to to run a successful and caring school today. It is NOT just about test scores, it’s about the care and encouragement throughout the organization. When it’s real, you can feel it, you can see it. Thank you Dalton. I spent 35 years in education and am reminded why this is still very important work!”

There is no doubt in my mind that this little boy will make big changes in the world someday…