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How Natural is Maternal Instinct?Maternal instinct has always played a noble role in the folklore of motherhood. In recent years, however, the idea that women are naturally more intuitive parents than men has been challenged. According to Sara Beth Karp, M.D., Chief of Family Practice at Lowell General Hospital, scientists have yet to find a definitive explanation for the heightened sensitivity so often associated with mothering. Is a mother's ability to "read" her baby's cries or soothe an unsettled infant a matter of instinct or is it the product of day-to-day closeness? What about the feelings of frustration or inadequacy that may also be a normal part of the mothering experience? Where does "instinct" end and the need to learn and practice effective parenting skills begin? Scientific studies provide evidence that supports both ideas: that "mothering" is instinctive and, on the other hand, that sensitive caring develops with experience. Some research and informal observations suggest that the caregiving experience develops a stronger intuitive tie between the infant and the parent most often responsible for meeting the infant's needs. But, other studies -- and many women's experiences -- suggest that there is something beyond the caregiving duty that produces the responsiveness called maternal instinct. Extensive animal studies indicate that among rats, rabbits, mice and hamsters, for instance, hormones trigger a maternal response that prompts the female to ready a nest or engage in other such activities before or after giving birth. However, researchers say the hormone-related response is not so readily or uniformly clear among humans. Maternal instinct can actually be a significant issue in a women's health, affecting both physical and emotional well-being. In fact, a woman's feelings about her mothering abilities can strongly influence her overall psychological health. Therefore, answers about instinct may provide insights into postpartum depression and some other women's health issues related to pregnancy, childbirth and the motherhood experience. "For mothers who feel a lack of connection with their child and doubt their own maternal instinct, studies show that -- for both mothers and fathers alike -- nurturing physical contact with their infant provides parents with a physical closeness that may help them develop feelings of attachment, " notes Dr. Karp. "Those feelings, in turn, can enhance parental sensitivity and responsiveness." Mothers can offer support to each other by sharing their feelings and experiences with each other. Talking with other mothers is a valuable and time-honored tradition for good reason: sharing feelings helps reduce stress. Hearing other mothers' experiences may also generate new ideas for more satisfying parenting responses. Whether nature plants the maternal instinct or the emotional roots are cultivated by early and continuous physical closeness with the infant, clearly the connection is a healthy one for a woman and her child. |
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