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Oxytocin

Many of us have heard of oxytocin, the “love” hormone which is released during labor and birth, as well as with sexual arousal and breastfeeding. Oxytocin has been shown to evoke feelings of contentment, reductions in anxiety, and feelings of calmness and security. This hormone has been well-studied in women, and elevated levels in the postpartum period have repeatedly been shown to enhance mother-infant attunement and bonding. But what about dads? Until the release of a recent study, no research addressed the involvement of oxytocin in the transition to fatherhood.

A 2010 study by Gordon, etal looked at 160 cohabitating mothers and fathers and their firstborn infant. They were visited at home during the first postpartum weeks, and then again at 6 months postpartum. At each visit interactions between each parent and the infant were observed and coded for parenting behavior. In addition, mothers’ and fathers’ levels of oxytocin in their blood were analyzed. The results of the study are fascinating.

First, although oxytocin has typically been considered a “maternal” hormone associated with labor, birth, and breastfeeding, similar levels of the hormone were found in mothers and fathers in this study, both initially and at 6 months postpartum. Moreover, the blood concentration of oxytocin increased over the first 6 months of life, in both men and women. This may suggest that oxytocin increases in parents as their relationship and connection to their infant evolves over time.

Next, when parenting behaviors were analyzed, maternal oxytocin levels were found to be related to the amount of affectionate parenting behaviors, including mother-infant vocalizations, affectionate touch, and positive affect. In contrast, increased paternal levels of oxytocin were associated with stimulating parenting behaviors, including physical play, and tactile stimulation.

So, do moms have the advantage when it comes to the hormone of love and connection with their babies? This study would suggest that they don’t. Oxytocin levels were elevated and equally distributed among the mothers and fathers in this study. Moreover, while mothers and fathers differed in the types of interactions they had with their babies, a variety of care-taking behaviors resulted in an increase in oxytocin levels. Thus it would seem that there really is more than one way to raise a baby; and moms and dads are each doing it “right.”

Gordon, I, Zagoory-Sharon, O, Leckman, J, and Feldman, R. (2010). Oxytocin and the Development of Parenting in Humans. The Journal of Biological Psychiatry; 68: 377-382.

Written by Jill Fieleke, CNM