Hold your baby as much as you can so you turn on the maternal magic switch. The flow of oxytocin depends on this. There is no need to worry about creating an overly dependent baby. Babies cannot be spoiled. A baby who is touched a lot grows a bigger, better brain. A mother who stays close to her infant grows a maternal heart. Oxytocin and prolactin (a milk-making hormone) are designed to slow you down so you can bond with your baby. The hazy “mommy brain” that you’ve heard about or might be feeling right now is purposeful lethargy; it is nature’s invitation to relax and be with your newborn.
