Study Claims Maternal Instinct Is A Gendered Myth: Here's Why

The concept of maternal instinct, often portrayed as an unexplainable, almost supernatural ability of mothers to sense their children's needs, has been a widely accepted notion. However, recent scrutiny from experts suggests that this idea may not only be unfounded but also potentially harmful. 

The Myth of Maternal Instinct

Many mothers would describe maternal instinct as a powerful, almost mystical force that allows them to intuitively know when their children are in need or unwell. This so-called instinct is thought to be a natural safeguard, helping mothers protect their offspring from various dangers. However, the scientific community is increasingly challenging this belief.

A significant body of research has explored the biological underpinnings of what might be perceived as maternal instinct. During childbirth and breastfeeding, the brain releases oxytocin, often dubbed the “cuddle hormone.” A study published in the journal Nature revealed that in mice, both those injected with oxytocin and those that had naturally produced the hormone after giving birth were more responsive to the cries of baby mice. This suggests that oxytocin plays a crucial role in priming parents to respond to their offspring's needs.

Dr Bianca Jones Marlin, the study's author and a neuroscientist at Columbia University’s Zuckerman Institute, explains that oxytocin affects the auditory cortex, the brain's hearing center, making it more sensitive to a baby’s cries. This increased sensitivity might explain why new mothers often respond more acutely to their babies' distress signals. Marlin’s personal experience supports this finding. After the birth of her daughter, the sound of a baby crying would immediately draw her attention and even trigger lactation, while her husband could sleep through the noise. This observation aligns with the idea that oxytocin enhances certain maternal behaviours.

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Learned Behavior vs. Instinct

Despite these findings, the notion that maternal behaviour is purely instinctual is contested. Dr Robert Froemke, Marlin's co-author, acknowledges that while there may be a genetic or biological impulse to care for an infant, actual maternal behavior is largely learned. He emphasises that effective parenting involves learning and practice rather than relying on innate knowledge.

More psychologists have criticised the concept of maternal instinct for suggesting that mothers inherently know how to care for their children without any learning curve. They argue that parenting skills are developed through experience, reading, and experimentation. This perspective highlights that new parents should not feel inadequate if they struggle initially; instead, they should view parenting as a skill that improves over time.

The Pressure of Maternal Instinct

The idea of maternal instinct can place undue pressure on new mothers, particularly during the postpartum period when they are already dealing with significant hormonal and emotional changes. Psychologists specialising in perinatal depression have warned that the belief in maternal instinct can lead to unrealistic expectations. New mothers might feel they must trust all their instincts, which can exacerbate anxiety and lead to behaviours that are neither realistic nor healthy, such as staying awake all night to watch over their baby. We must advocate for a more balanced approach, encouraging mothers to evaluate their thoughts and instincts critically and to seek accurate information and support.

Inclusivity and the Broader Parenting Spectrum

The concept of maternal instinct is also criticized for being inherently exclusive. It tends to overlook fathers, adoptive parents, and transgender parents, implying that they lack the same innate ability to care for their children. However, studies show that all parents, regardless of gender or biological relationship, can produce oxytocin and develop strong caregiving bonds.

A 2017 study found that fathers experience an increase in oxytocin levels when looking at pictures of their toddlers, particularly in brain regions associated with reward. This finding supports the idea that caregiving behaviours are not exclusive to mothers.

The concept of maternal instinct, while romantic and appealing, is increasingly seen as a myth. Scientific evidence points towards a combination of biological responses, such as the release of oxytocin, and learned behaviours as the basis for effective parenting. This understanding helps to alleviate the pressure on new mothers to perform perfectly from the start and promotes a more inclusive view of parenting that recognises the abilities of all caregivers. By debunking the myth of maternal instinct, we can better support all parents in their journey, ensuring they have the resources and understanding needed to thrive.