Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC) Practice

Breastfeeding plays a significant role in fostering emotional connections between mothers and their infants, primarily through the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the "love hormone." When a mother breastfeeds, oxytocin is released in both the mother and baby, promoting feelings of closeness and nurturing. This physiological response not only enhances the emotional bond between the mother and child but also promotes a sense of calm and attachment.

The nurturing experience of breastfeeding reinforces the mother’s caregiving instincts, encouraging her to respond to her baby’s needs. This bonding experience is crucial for the infant's emotional development and the establishment of a secure attachment, which can lead to positive outcomes throughout the child's life.

Understanding the connection facilitated by breastfeeding reinforces its importance not only for the health benefits it provides the infant but also for its impact on the mother's emotional well-being. This emotional connection can also contribute to more successful breastfeeding efforts over time, as the process itself can create a reinforcing cycle of affection and responsiveness between mother and child.