How much of what we consider a mother's love is actually just instinct?

I dunno man… I met some mothers who have no instinct and no urge or drive to actually be a mother to their children

I have gravel in my driveway with more love instinct than some mothers.

there’s an instinct to protect (which not all parents have) , but a mother’s ‘love’ extends far beyond the impulse to not let your baby die and teach them fundamental survival skills.

Some animals develop emotional bonds/attachments with other animals, which we might call love.

This booklet is pretty hilarious.

For most mothers it’s all instinct. This is where the idea of a mother’s love being unconditional comes from. Not everyone is driven by instinct though and some mothers don’t care in that way. I don’t believe instinct is actual love. That’s just how I feel.

It is some of both in my opinion. I have seen a herd of elephants protect their young while crossing a river. The babies stay in the middle as the herd crosses.

Some of it's instinctual I would say.

I think in the animal world it's mostly instinctual and bonding. Humans tend to project human emotions and sentiments onto animals that just are not there.

What is love in any case but certain balance of chemistry in the brain based on specific stimulI? Love is a tool of instinct that our brains use to encourage actions most likely to secure the continuation of the species.

Mixture of instinct and deep bond, a conscious decision cause being a mom isn't easy at all.
To nurture, to love and really care and sacrifice.

We are at the control of our hormones.

Does it matter as long as care and attention are provided? Plenty of horrible people claimed to ‘love’ the kids they were horrible to.

Not for all mothers, no.