A mother’s instinct is universal
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Being a mother is more than giving birth. Raising kids is a combination of knowledge and instincts.
Simply put, moms have reactions to their young that are born of biology.
The mothering instinct is more than protective and is found across the animal kingdom.
One thing we all have in common is we all have a mother. And moms of every species on planet Earth have some things in common.
The mothering instinct is universal from squirrels to lions to moose, animal moms will fight to protect their young from threats.
In 2015, cows were declared the most dangerous large animals in Britain, killing more people than dogs. 70% of the fatalities involved momma cows with young calves.
The reason for maternal aggression may involve a chemical called oxytocin.
Oxytocin is a neurochemical also related to birth and milk production. It also helps suppress a mother’s self-defense mechanisms and is necessary for mothers to protect their young.
Oxytocin affects the babies as well. The sound of a mom’s voice lowers a child’s stress hormone, cortisol, and raises their level of oxytocin, which is also linked with love and bonding.
A mother’s brain is optimally wired. Taking an unofficial survey of moms on social media found most carried their kids on the left-hand side.
Working in a series on the science of Moms and am taking an unofficial survey. Moms: did you carry your child on the left or right side after they were born?
— Kelly Bates (@KellyBatesRI) May 2, 2024
Whether left- or right-handed, human moms tended to cradle their babies on the left side of their bodies.
The brain’s right hemisphere is where emotions are processed, so holding and observing the baby on the left may help transmit social information to the right side more efficiently.
Research also shows this left-side bias is also found in non-primate mammal mothers like walruses and flying foxes.
It is with this information we went to see our local experts.
Right now, in the rainforest exhibit at Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, there are sets of moms and babies.
While Fiona the sloth carries baby Jeffrey on her belly, the golden lion tamarins make parenting baby Leopold a community job.
“The Golden Lion Tamarin family is unique in that it takes the entire family to raise the babies and be successful,” said Zookeeper at Roger Williams Park Zoo Jennifer Hennessey.
Sometimes, it literally takes a village to raise a child.
