Baby faces make our brains light up
Categories: Newborns, Just for moms, Babies, Just for dads, In the news
Even though my family is complete and I have no intention of having another baby, I can't look at an infant without going all gooey inside. I'd say the reason is because I'm a mom, and because I like kids. But science says it's at least partially because when I see an infant face, the part of my brain responsible for reward activity lights up and goes crazy.Researchers recently found that when adults look at the face of a baby, their brain activity changes. They theorize that this is an instinctive reaction, one that guides us to nurture and protect to further the survival of the species. It seems that any old baby face will do, and that it doesn't have to be your own infant for your brain to go ga-ga.
Though this may not really have any real world significance, experts are going to explore the issue a little further to see if this brain activity may have a connection with postpartum depression, a condition that up to 13% of moms suffer after giving birth.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
mamacheryl 3-02-2008 @ 4:48PM
At least there's a biological explanation for all those silly, gooey-faced people who melt into a pool of butter when they see my baby in the stores. I thought it was just a regional thing. :)
Cheryl
http://redpens-diapers.blogspot.com
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Jan Bay 3-02-2008 @ 8:12PM
I'm not sure I understand how this could have an impact on postpartum depression. Are they saying that the moms that suffer with this didn't have enough "face time" immediately following the birth of their baby or are they saying that "face time" with the newborns could help people who were suffering with depression?
I had a friend who had depression with her first. When she had her second child she used one of the light boxes with good results. However, I recently read (maybe here?) that baby blues were not as severe with the second baby for many women so the light box may not have been what helped.
Jan from http://www.unique-baby-gear-ideas.com/
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Heather 3-04-2008 @ 11:24AM
I think they are looking to see if thier brains dont go ga ga over the baby faces. If they don't that could be part of why some women get it and others don't.
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