Mums who give birth naturally respond more readily to the cry of their baby than those who choose to have a Caesarean.
Brain scans on 12 mothers just after birth found more activity in areas linked to motivation and emotions in those who had a vaginal delivery. The research team from Yale University team says differences in the hormones generated by birth could be the key.
The contractions which are an essential part of a natural birth trigger the release of the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin is considered to play a key role in shaping maternal behaviour. However, if a mum has a Caesarean, the same release of hormones is not triggered. Caesareans have also been linked to an increased risk of post-natal depression.
The Yale team carried out brain scans on 12 women during the post partum period two to four weeks after they had given birth Half had a Caesarean, the other half gave birth naturally.
The differences in brain activity were found in regions that not only influence a mother's response to her child, but also regulate her mood.
Lead researcher Dr James Swain said: "Our results support the theory that variations in delivery conditions such as with caesarean section ....... might decrease the responsiveness of the human maternal brain in the early postpartum."
Professor James Walker, a spokesman for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said: "We have long recognised that people who have a caesarean section do sometimes have some problems bonding with their baby."
Professor Walker said he thought it was possible that women who had a Caesarean were slightly disengaged from the birth process in comparison to those who went through a natural delivery. He also said: "There is no doubt that many women who have a Caesarean turn out to be wonderful mothers," he said.
Belinda Phipps, of the National Childbirth Trust, said: "Bonding between a mother and baby is highly important and responding to a new baby's cry is a key part of maternal attachment. Women who have a Caesarean section should be encouraged to cuddle their newborn against their skin straight after birth and be offered practical support to help them fed and care for their baby."
Between 10% and 20% of all births in the UK are now delivered by Caesarean. There is concern that too many women opt for an elective Caesarean, a major surgical procedure, with a risk of side effects.
September 2008 | 
Designer Toddlers
