Why do babies need skin to skin time....
For new born -
From the first cuddle to the lasting bond, babies and parents can benefit enormously by learning their first language, "TOUCH".
In the age of screens where everything is at the touch of the finger and learnt through the tap of the screen we tend to ignore that yet a lot more is understood, experienced and felt through physical touch and social interaction only. However we often do not accept the need for a simple hug, thinking that our child would get addicted to being hugged. So what if our baby is used to being with us......
For us it might just be a hug but it's a life changing magic spell for our growing minds.
WHY IS HUGGING SO IMPORTANT?
- Calms and relaxes both mother and baby
- Helps baby to better adapt to the life outside womb by regulating it's heart rate
- Stimulates digestion
- Regulates body temperature (mother's chest is at a slightly higher temperature)
- Enables colonisation of the baby's skin with mother's friendly bacteria, thus providing protection against infection
- Stimulates release of hormones to promote breastfeeding.
- The milk expressed contains the most up-to-date antibodies
- Helps mother and baby to familiarise with each other's bodies and emotional status
In toddlers-
Studies have proven that expressing care verbally by saying I LOVE YOU or by hugs and kisses helps majorly in shaping the child's brain development. This will later be visible in the way the child processes stress and conflict as an adult. It builds in them the sense of belongingness and confidence. Builds up a positive self esteem.
- Tell your child what you like about them.
- Hug and kiss the young adults more and more
- Say I LOVE YOU
- Show your child that loving yourself is a good thing through your own actions
- Be kind to yourself when you make mistakes. This will teach your child to not be harsh on themselves come what may.
- Remind them that you still love them even though things may seem rough.
There are wonders that we can work for our children as their fairy God parents. It doesn't matter if they get addicted to us the problem is if they don't.....
- Dr. Maria Jennifer Pinto. (P.T.)
Excellent information. Very helpful in these modern times.
ReplyDeleteThank you 😊
ReplyDeleteThe magic of touch from a parent to a child is beyond ego,fearless and free, beneath no one, Superior to no one, full of magic and enchantment.
ReplyDeleteIt's a dance with the angels, a ride with the unicorn, a wish in the universe unblemished and so full or love tenderness and emotion.
Fantastic blog doc Maria J. Pinto Saldanha. Got me all Nostalgic with the time spent with my children when they were younger.
Stay blessed, be safe and keep smiling. Keep inspiring.