Factors influencing maternal responsiveness in humans: usefulness of an animal model

In this article we review some of the hormonal, sensory and experiential factors that regulate the onset and early maintenance of maternal responsiveness in rat and human mothers. We discuss data suggesting that, in humans, pregnancy is associated with changes in feelings and attitudes that may bear on adjustment to motherhood postpartum. Preliminary studies indicate that these changes are probably not hormonally mediated but are associated with a variety of psychosocial factors. Once women give birth, there is some suggestion that they undergo a period of elevated "responsiveness" which may be influenced by puerperal hormones and during which experiences with the newborn take on a special salience. Following the early postpartum period, a variety of factors influence maternal responsiveness, including the mother's affective state, her social relationships, and experiences caring for young. We discuss the relative contributions of psychological and physiological influences to maternal responsiveness at different stages of the maternity cycle.