*Attached video: Local mom’s instinct saves baby’s life after rare heart defect diagnosis

CLEVELAND (WJW) – Have you ever noticed that your mom always seems to know when something is wrong? Some people call it mother’s intuition.

In honor of Mother’s Day, Cleveland Clinic Psychologist Dr. Susan Albers tells us just how real mother’s intuition actually is. 

“A mother’s intuition is a genuine occurrence,” explained Dr. Albers. “It’s described as an instinctive understanding of what’s going on with your child, whether it pertains to their needs, emotions, or potential danger, even without concrete information or rationale.”

Dr. Albers said neurobiology and learned history both play a role in mother’s intuition.

Dr. Albers notes that as a mother interacts with her child, oxytocin is released in the brain, which fosters a bond between them. This bond enhances their relationship and the mother’s ability to interpret what the child might be thinking, feeling, or needing.

Dr. Albers also mentions that mothers invest countless hours with their child, which helps them notice behavioral patterns. Therefore, they can detect when there is a change in their child’s behavior.

“The good news is that you are not just born with intuition; it can be built. You can strengthen your mother’s intuition by spending time with your child, being truly present and attuned instead of distracted,” Dr. Albers said. “Also, listening to your gut and reflecting on how that matches up with the reality of the situation. By tuning in, asking yourself, pausing and reflecting, this can help you to boost and raise your mother’s intuition over time.”

Dr. Albers said it’s important to know the difference between mother’s intuition and anxiety. 

According to Dr. Albers, intuition is more of a calm inner voice that nudges you that something doesn’t seem quite right, while anxiety can feel loud and chaotic, kind of like an alarm system going off.