12/04/2025
Neurochemicals: birth pros do you know the basics?
Keep reading for a primer on the most significant neurochemicals that relate to attachment, mood, behavior, and stress:
The social and emotional environment of the infant—early attachment experiences—are critical to the development of those neural networks. Changes in the wiring of brain circuits can occur at any time in life as a result of new and healing experiences (neuroplasticity).
The following is a list of the most significant neurochemicals that relate to attachment, mood, behavior, and stress:
cortisol: Released by the adrenal glands during the stress response; increases heart rate and blood pressure and results in arousal and anxiety.
dopamine: Associated with attention, motivation, bonding, and pleasure; drugs such as co***ne and methamphetamines trigger the release of dopamine; mobilizes the body for fight, flight, freeze response.
serotonin: Affects mood, impulse control, and survival; plays a key role in depression, aggression, and anxiety; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are popular antidepressants and increase serotonin flow.
norepinephrine: Regulates arousal, alertness, attention, and motivation; makes senses more alert under stress.
epinephrine (adrenaline): Prepares us for danger or threat by focusing attention, sharpening senses, and increasing fear.
neuropeptides: Endorphins buffer stress, reduce pain, and increase pleasure (e.g., runner’s high). Endorphins increase during parent–child connection.
oxytocin: Promotes maternal behavior (nurturing, nursing) toward children.
Loving touch increases oxytocin in the blood of caregivers.
vasopressin: Also plays a role in bonding and attachment, as well as inhibiting fear and reducing stress hormones.
The brain and nervous system are composed of billions of neurons, which form connections with many other neurons to create a neural network. Neurons communicate with one another between gaps, or synapses, via electrical and chemical messages. Neurons that fire together become wired together. Over time, the brain circuits and networks that result from these firings lead to “wiring” of the brain.
