Trusting your maternal instinct as a mother can be a tough pill to swallow, especially if you have family and friends (often well-meaning) telling you that you should be doing things differently. But let’s face it, mamas, sometimes the best advice is to just trust your gut and go with it. You know your kids better than anyone.
When your little one is crying their eyes out and you just can’t figure out what’s wrong, it’s tempting to consult Dr Google or call up your mum squad for advice. But let’s be real, sometimes the answer is just to pick up that crying babe and cuddle them and rock them like a boss.
And let’s not forget about the great mummy wars over how to feed your baby. Breastfeeding vs. formula, purees vs. baby-led weaning – the options are endless and the advice is overwhelming. But in the end, you know your baby and your body best.
In short, mamas, trust your instincts. You know your baby better than anyone else, and at the end of the day, as long as they’re happy and healthy, that’s all that matters. So go forth and parent with confidence, and don’t let anyone tell you that you’re doing it wrong. You got this!
The Science Behind Maternal Instinct
Mother’s intuition, also known as maternal instinct, is a phenomenon that has long been recognised by parents and researchers alike. This intuition refers to a mother’s ability to instinctively understand and respond to the needs of her child, often without conscious thought or reasoning.
Recent studies have shown that there may be a scientific basis for this phenomenon. Research has found that the brains of mothers undergo structural changes during pregnancy and early motherhood, which may contribute to their heightened intuition.
One study conducted at the University of British Columbia found that the brain areas associated with empathy and intuition were larger in new mothers compared to non-mothers. This suggests that the experience of motherhood may lead to an increased ability to understand and respond to the emotional states of others, including one’s own child.
In addition to changes in brain structure, hormonal changes during pregnancy may also play a role in enhancing a mother’s intuition. The hormone oxytocin, known as the “love hormone,” has been shown to increase during pregnancy and after giving birth. This hormone is thought to contribute to the bond between a mother and her child, and may also enhance a mother’s ability to intuitively understand her child’s needs.
Furthermore, the constant physical contact between a mother and her child, such as through breastfeeding and holding, has been shown to have positive effects on the development of the child’s brain and nervous system. This close contact may also help to enhance the mother’s intuition by increasing her understanding of her child’s cues and behaviors.
While the scientific evidence for mother’s intuition is still limited, the phenomenon is widely recognized and has been observed by parents and researchers alike. Whether it is a result of changes in brain structure and hormones, or simply the result of the close bond between a mother and her child, this intuition is an important aspect of the mother-child relationship and plays a crucial role in the development and well-being of the child.
Nobody knows your child like you do, mama.
There’s a special bond between a mother and her child that no one can understand unless they’re a mother themselves. It’s a bond that’s forged from the moment they first lay eyes on each other, and it only grows stronger as time goes on.
When your little one is having a meltdown in the middle of the shop floor, you’re the only one who can calm them down. You know just what to say and do, whether it’s making silly faces or singing a silly song. But the bond between a mother and her child goes beyond just being able to calm them down during a meltdown. It’s also about the unspoken understanding between the two of you. When your little one is trying to tell you something but they’re not quite old enough to talk yet, you somehow just know what they’re trying to say. And when they’re sick or in pain, you can instinctively tell just by looking at them.
So to all the moms out there, here’s to the special bond between you and your child. It’s a bond that only we can understand, and it’s one that only grows stronger with time. Keep on being amazing, trust your gut – you’re doing a great job!