Oxytocin Quote by Peggy O'Mara
““I was in the ecstasy of babies then. I was on a long, oxytocin high. Noone told me about this. Noone told me I would feel like a wild animal ready to kill or be killed at a moment’s notice with no hesitation at all right now for my baby. I would sit on the bed at night nursing Lally and I would imagine a lion jumping through the window. I would plan how to kill him. I knew the lion would be immediately dead. I knew that no matter what, my baby would survive.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Personal memoir, 2023
The speaker describes the intense, protective instinct and primal aggression that can accompany early motherhood, likening it to a high‑oxytocin state and a fierce desire to defend the child at any cost.
In simple terms: Motherhood can trigger fierce, animal‑like protectiveness.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and channel protective instincts healthily.
Themes
parenthood
protective instinct
biology
emotions
Mood
intense
protective
conflicted
Type
personal narrative
psychological
When to use this quote
- new mother
- night nursing
- stress management
- parental counseling
Key Concepts
oxytocin
maternal aggression
survival instinct
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance fierce protectiveness with calm caregiving?
- What strategies help manage sudden aggression?
A Different Perspective
Such intense feelings may be overwhelming and need support.
