The MRI was captured when the mother held and kissed her two-month-old son.
The lips placed on the toddler's head immediately triggered a response in his brain.
Dopamine and oxytocin (which is called the love hormone) are explosively released. Oxytocin is responsible for affection and connection.
Kissing causes a chemical reaction in the child's brain and the explosion of oxytocin reduces anxiety and increases confidence. It stimulates feelings of affection and attachment and gives the child the sense that he is protected. The kiss also releases dopamine which makes the child feel good.
Photo by neurosurgeon Rebecca Sachs. Received from Dr. Mona Raafat.