maternal bond

USAGE SUMMARY

"maternal bond" is correct and usable in written English.
The expression is used to describe a strong bond between a mother and her child. For example, "The mother shared a strong maternal bond with her new daughter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

In picking at the maternal bond, Kent is dealing with one of society's last taboos.

The Guardian - Film

For babies, that maternal bond may well be the number-one predictor of healthy child development.

The Guardian - Opinion

"But you build a maternal bond with these students and you can't let go".

The New York Times

It was also something of a maternal bond, and she writes tenderly of it and of Kurt himself.

The New Yorker

Orangutans do not share this herd mentality, but have a maternal bond that is just as strong.

Independent

For Judy, as for many favoured daughters of brilliant men, this intimacy produced a distanced and jealous maternal bond, and confused her own burgeoning sexual identity.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Other characteristics from maternal bonding to male rivalry might be called archetypal too.

The Guardian - Opinion

Snuggle endlessly, preferably skin-to-skin (studies show infant-maternal skin-to-skin contact is analgesic, calming, promotes breastfeeding and enhances maternal bonding).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The protagonist of "Son" is 14-year-old Claire, who fights to find her child in a society that denies there is any value in maternal bonds.

The New York Times

Specifically, Cacioppo explains, "Maternal love includes similar brain areas, with a specific involvement of the periaqueductal gray matter (PAG) – a brain area that receives direct connections from the limbic emotional system, and contains a high density of vasopressin receptors that are important in maternal bonding".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The hormone is closely linked to pregnancy and childbirth, among other things stimulating milk production and maternal bonding, and has been variously dubbed the "cuddle chemical" or "hug hormone" for its wider role in positive social interactions.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the importance of early childhood development, emphasize the crucial role of the "maternal bond" in providing a secure and nurturing environment for infants.

Common error

Avoid implying that a "maternal bond" is the only significant early attachment. Acknowledge the importance of other caregivers, such as fathers, grandparents, and adoptive parents, in a child's development.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maternal bond" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a specific type of relationship—the emotional and physical connection between a mother and her child. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase adheres to standard grammatical rules and is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

33%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "maternal bond" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to the connection between a mother and her child. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. While the phrase often appears in news and media, science, and wiki contexts, it's important to note the potential for overgeneralization. Remember to acknowledge the roles of other caregivers and understand that this bond is influenced by various factors. Alternatives like "mother-child connection" or "mother-infant relationship" can provide alternative expressions depending on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mother-child connection

Replaces "bond" with "connection", focusing on the link between mother and child.

mother-infant relationship

Substitutes "bond" with "relationship", denoting a broader interaction.

maternal affection

Focuses on the emotional aspect of the bond, emphasizing the mother's feelings.

mother's love

Highlights the love aspect inherent in the maternal connection.

the tie between mother and child

Rephrases the concept as a "tie", indicating a connection or link.

parental bond

Broadens the scope to include both parents, rather than focusing solely on the mother.

family connection

Expands the relationship to the whole family.

close kinship

Focuses on the familial relationship and its closeness.

emotional attachment

Highlights the emotional connection without explicitly mentioning the maternal aspect.

nurturing relationship

Emphasizes the caring and supportive aspect of the maternal role.

FAQs

How can I use "maternal bond" in a sentence?

You can use "maternal bond" to describe the connection between a mother and her child, as in "Breastfeeding is believed to strengthen the "maternal bond"".

What can I say instead of "maternal bond"?

Alternatives include "mother-child connection", "mother-infant relationship", or "maternal affection", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "maternal bond" and "parental bond"?

"Maternal bond" specifically refers to the relationship between a mother and her child, while "parental bond" encompasses the connection between any parent (mother or father) and their child.

What factors influence the development of a "maternal bond"?

Factors such as early contact, breastfeeding, and responsive caregiving can influence the development of a strong "maternal bond".