The nature of crying

 In a 2008 study on the psychology of crying, researchers looked into 3,000 instances of crying and its benefits. Majority of the subjects reported being in a better mood after crying, while a few claimed they felt worse afterwards. 

Certified developmental psychologist Rachel Ann Rosales Parr notes that leading to childbirth, a woman’s emotions shift between positive and negative all throughout the pregnancy. “Some women switch from being happy and excited to being uncertain and anxious within varying time periods,” Parr notes. “Some go as far as dreading what the future holds for her and her unborn child (Steinberg & Meyer, 1995).”

Postnatal behavior and motherhood

In fact, Parr cites a survey wherein 52 percent of pregnant women were scared of becoming unattractive, 74 percent were frightened about the experience of giving birth, while 87 percent were more concerned with the wellbeing of their child (Light & Fenster, 1974).

Given that the experiences of women during childbirth vary immensely, the physiological reactions, of course, differ as well. Parr shares that the challenges while giving birth can lead to the production of stress hormones (Carlson & Ladarba, 1979), which will depend on the unique circumstances surrounding the delivery, as well as the mother’s temperament. As such, postnatal behavior by nature is rather complex.

As for crying after giving birth and seeing her child, Parr notes that many studies will affirm that mothers are biologically drawn to their offspring, and this may be the way by which nature ensures the survival of the baby. “The birth of a child marks the culmination of a significantly long period of all sorts of emotions. We experience a whole gamut of major physical changes and adjustments, which are quite often challenging and demanding,” illustrates Parr.

The experience of giving birth can be a rather stressful experience for women, so this may account for why some do not cry after delivery. They may be more concerned about the responsibilities that come with having a child, and not cry with “tears of joy”.

However, not shedding tears when you see your baby should not be construed as lack of joy for the arrival of the baby, and is not indicative of whether or not she is a good parent. “In as much as we can say that the tears could be genuine manifestations of profound joy they could also be reactions to hormonal changes,” posits Parr. “Therefore, the absence of crying could also just be the body’s reaction to extreme pain and fatigue. Some mothers just need to take a short break after giving birth.”

Did you shed new mommy tears the first time you gave birth? Why or why not? We’d love to know. Share with us your thoughts by leaving a comment below.


Sources:

• December 17, 2008. “Cry Me A River: The Psychology of Crying” sciencedaily.com 

• Rachel Ann Rosales Parr, certified developmental psychologist, faculty at Miriam College (Psychology Department), Psychologist for the MLAC Institute for Children and Families and Division Chair of the Developmental Psychology Division of the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP)

• Carlson, D. & Labarba, R. (1979) Maternal emotionality during pregnancy and reproductive outcome: A review of literature. International Journal of Behavioral Development, Vol. 2, pp. 343‐376. SAGE Publications.

• Light, H. & Fenster, C. (1974). Maternal concerns during pregnancy. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vol. 118, pp. 46‐50. Elsevier: USA

• Steinberg, L. & Meyer, R. (1995). Childhood. McGraw‐Hill Inc.: USA

Photo by Paul Watson via flickr creative commons