It is often said that the bond between a mother and her child forms from the earliest moments after birth. However, the reality is that this connection begins long before, during pregnancy, and reaches its peak upon the long-awaited meeting. As soon as these two beings come together, an unbreakable bond of love and attachment is born, where the physical contact of the first hours and days holds paramount importance for the infant. A story recently highlighted by our colleagues at The Independent once again confirms that a mother’s dedication transcends all boundaries.
While this bond typically forms during pregnancy and at birth, it can also develop in the context of adoption. Furthermore, many mothers do not always feel these emotions « instantaneously. » Sometimes, this relationship is built gradually, taking hours, days, or even months to develop. However, this in no way diminishes the strength of the bond; any woman who has experienced this will describe this attachment as extraordinary.
Unwavering devotion: Eighty-year-old Tom required care and thus had to move into a nursing home in Liverpool. His mother, 98-year-old Ada Keating, immediately made the decision to join him to look after him.
Ada, who had four children with her late husband Harry, had always lived with Tom in Wavertree, following the death of their youngest child at the age of 13. Their bond is unbreakable, and they are inseparable. Ada told Metro, « I go into Tom’s room every night to wish him goodnight, and I pop in every morning to say hello (…) When I go to the hairdresser’s, he’ll wait for me to come back. When I come home, he’ll come to me and give me a hug. »
Ada’s granddaughter, Debi Higham, and other family members regularly visit this incredibly close-knit duo, and they are thrilled to see them reunited once again.
Philip Daniels, the nursing home manager, told the Daily Mail that he is constantly moved by their relationship: « It’s truly touching to see the close bond between Tom and Ada, and we’re delighted to cater to their needs. It’s quite rare to see mothers and children together in a nursing home, and we’re doing everything we can to make this time as special as possible. »
This poignant story once again reminds us that a mother’s dedication knows no bounds, regardless of her child’s age or health condition.
Where does this maternal bond come from? In reality, as your pregnancy nears its end, your body begins to release high levels of oxytocin, also known as the bonding hormone. This plays a crucial role in forming the bond with your child.
When you feel your baby is about to be born, your brain instantly releases this hormone. Thus, the pain of contractions sends a signal to your brain to produce a strong dose of oxytocin, preparing you to fall in love with your baby.
Your body is perfectly designed to establish a bond with your child. However, in certain circumstances, various factors such as a complicated pregnancy, premature birth, postpartum depression, or difficult relationships with your own mother can influence this immediate connection.
