The Role of Fathers and Early Life Experiences on Oxytocin Levels in Children

Oxytocin, often referred to as the bonding hormone, plays a key role in social connections, behavior, and physiological regulation. A recent study reveals that children whose fathers are actively involved in their care and spend time playing with them have higher oxytocin levels. This finding highlights the importance of paternal presence in the emotional and biological development of the child.

Researchers also observed that children born at term, meaning after 38 weeks of pregnancy, have higher oxytocin levels than those born prematurely. Similarly, a natural birth promotes higher levels of this hormone compared to a cesarean section. Children who stayed in neonatal intensive care units also show lower levels, suggesting that early stress related to birth or the first days of life durably influences this hormonal regulation.

Contrary to expectations, the duration of breastfeeding, whether exclusive or not, does not appear to have a significant impact on oxytocin levels in children. This could be explained by the fact that oxytocin is released intermittently during breastfeeding, with short-lived peaks, without a cumulative effect over the long term.

The mother’s age also plays a role: children of older mothers have slightly higher oxytocin levels. This could be linked to better emotional preparation and more harmonious interactions, although this correlation remains moderate.

These findings highlight the importance of parent-child interactions, particularly those involving the father, as well as favorable birth conditions for optimal development. They also open avenues for better understanding how early life experiences shape the biological mechanisms related to attachment and well-being.

Bibliography

Report Source

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s44411-026-00597-z

Title: Association Between Breastfeeding, Early Life Experiences, Parental Interaction and Basal Oxytocin Levels in School-Age Children

Journal: Bratislava Medical Journal

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Mukaddes Kılıç Sağlam