Hugs Pa More! New Study Says It's Good For Baby Brain Development

We all know that hugging and cuddling provides a deep sense of security to newborns but new studies are proving that they too play an essential role in the development of your baby’s brain development.  

Deeper role of ‘love hormone’ 

It all boils down to the role of the hormone called oxytocin, according to an article on Daily Health Post. Identified and observed by scientists as early as 1906, oxytocin is a hormone and neurotransmitter the hypothalamus produces and the pituitary gland secretes. Also known as the “love hormone” or “cuddle hormone,” it is essential in the following: 

- process of childbirth in mammals, stimulating uterine contractions and lactation 

- stimulates all aspects of the reproductive process from building trust with your partner to sexual arousal 

- stimulates pleasure and reward centers  

- It is the neurological basis for social bonding, especially with the people closest to you. 

- Increases feelings of trust, which are intrinsic to all close personal relationships. 

- It plays a role in blood vessel formation in the pituitary gland, which controls several physiological processes such as stress, growth, and reproduction 

Beyond these known ‘pro-social’ functions, new studies are now finding out that oxytocin may have a role during the development of the baby while still inside its mother’s stomach. 

According to Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN), human oxytocin is already expressed in the 14th embryonic week preparing the brain of the unborn for ‘activities in the outside world.’  

Such findings only further support the importance of bonding between a mother and a child because it modulates the levels of oxytocin and, in the process, promotes brain development.

“Interactions with the mother constitute the whole world for an infant. It represents a frame that not only ensures survival, but also provides the nurture necessary for successful brain development”, Nin quotes the  first authors of the paper, Paloma Maldonado. 

Affection releases more oxytocin 

The Daily Health Post article explains that through three different release pathways, oxytocin functions like a system activator and often influences the release of other signaling substances such as opioids, serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline.

Oxytocins can be released by activation of several types of sensory nerves. Expressions of affection such as hugs, light pressure, warmth, and stroking all contribute to oxytocin release caused by ‘pleasant’ or ‘non-noxious’ sensory stimulation of the skin.”   

The same article explains that once a baby is weaned from its mother, the brain produces oxytocin as the result of affectionate touch. In addition, healthy personal interactions also stimulate hormone release. 

What could be a more natural form of physical affection than hugs between a parent and a child? It not only fosters solid emotional foundation, develops trust and strong bonds, but it’s also good for your baby’s brain development.

So, Mom and Dad, don’t scrimp on those hugs!