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Why Cuddles Matter: How Closeness Boosts Oxytocin
Dr. Kerstin Uvnäs Moberg
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Kerstin Uvnäs Moberg is a professor in physiology whose commitment to women’s health has been revolutionary. Her pioneering research about oxytocin, “the hormone of love and well-being,” was one of the first studies to point out the behavioral, psychological and physiological effects of oxytocin during birth, breastfeeding and menopause.
Kerstin Uvnäs Moberg has written more than 400 scientific articles and several books on oxytocin and its importance and positive impact on different processes in the body for babies as well as their mothers and fathers
The importance of closeness
Simple routines like skin-to-skin contact after birth or rooming in during the first days together strengthen the bond between parent and child. Parents and babies smile more, read each other’s needs more easily, and build a sense of security. Closeness also helps everyone relax—lowering stress and supporting growth and development.
The other side of love
Being close doesn’t mean parents and babies are always calm or happy. The stronger the bond, the stronger the feelings, which can also mean more worry when you’re apart. This mix of love and concern is part of the deep connection between parent and child.
“Oxytocin helps reduce stress, ease pain, and support growth and healing.”
Oxytocin: the closeness hormone
Oxytocin is often linked to birth and breastfeeding, but it also increases through everyday closeness. When parents and babies touch, cuddle, or share warmth, sensory nerves in the skin signal the brain to release oxytocin. This closeness hormone helps reduce stress, ease pain, lower inflammation, and even support healing and immunity.
Long-lasting effects
The benefits of oxytocin aren’t just short-term. Research shows that babies who experience a lot of touch and closeness early in life may enjoy better social skills, reduced stress, and healthier growth well into the future.
“Carrying and cuddling keep oxytocin flowing beyond the newborn stage.”
Beyond the newborn stage
Closeness continues to boost oxytocin well past the first weeks of life. Carrying your baby in a sling or carrier, co-sleeping, or simply spending time together helps parents and babies stay connected. The front of the body is especially sensitive to touch, so the warmth and contact of babywearing can provide lasting benefits for bonding and well-being.
An evolutionary perspective
For as long as humans have existed, mothers have held their newborns close—providing warmth, food, and safety. A baby who feels that closeness learns to see the world as safe and nurturing, and their oxytocin system adapts accordingly. This foundation of trust and security supports growth, reduces stress, and helps children thrive.
Key takeaways on oxytocin and closeness
Skin-to-skin and early closeness boost oxytocin for both parent and baby.
Oxytocin helps reduce stress, ease pain, and support growth and healing.
Babies who experience closeness early may experience long-term benefits related to bonding, social skills, and well-being.
Carrying and cuddling keep oxytocin flowing beyond the newborn stage.
Closeness helps babies feel safe, supported, and ready to thrive.
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