What happens in the body when we carry our children?
When we hold or carry our children close, it involves more than just being physically close to one another. Touch, warmth, scent, movement and sound constantly send signals between the child’s and the adult’s nervous systems.
An important part of this interaction is the hormone oxytocin, which is often referred to as the ‘bonding’ or ‘attachment’ hormone.
Oxytocin – the body’s ‘bonding’ hormone
Oxytocin is released, amongst other things, through touch, skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding. Research shows that skin-to-skin contact can increase oxytocin levels in both parents and children. In studies involving both mothers and fathers, skin-to-skin contact has also been linked to reduced stress and anxiety in the parent.
Oxytocin is involved in several processes that are important for early parent-child interaction. It can contribute to a sense of calm, social interaction and the ability to notice and respond to a child’s cues.
When the stress response system slows down
Another important aspect is cortisol, a hormone linked to the body’s stress response system.
When we feel safe, the body’s stress response can be reduced. Studies of skin-to-skin contact have shown reduced cortisol levels in both parents and children in certain situations. The World Health Organisation also describes skin-to-skin contact as an important part of newborn care, partly because it can contribute to stress regulation and physiological stability.
This is particularly interesting for newborn babies. Their nervous system is still developing, and they need help from their environment to regulate, amongst other things, stress, body temperature, sleep and wakefulness.
In this way, an adult’s body can act as a kind of a safe, supportive environment for the child.
