Emotional and touch engagements boost early childhood development for many reasons. Children who failed to experience enough emotional and physical attention were at higher risk for emotional, behavioral and social problems in the later stages of their life.
Mothers who regularly practice physical contact with their babies, especially newborn, is the best way to calm their babies. They cried less and it can help them to sleep better. Research revealed that brain development among babies will be affected if they will be disturbed and if they can’t sleep well. It is also beneficial for the mothers because it can reduce their stress level and lower the risk for depression. Infants are instinctive to their mother than their father in early stage.
Probably, this is due to the release of the mother’s oxytocin which is a peptide hormone and neuropeptide that is normally produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary. It plays a special role in social bonding, reproduction, childbirth, and the period after childbirth.
As part of the psychosocial stimulation which starts during pregnancy, parents should always remember that physical contact coupled with care and affection is the best way to nurture a child.
PNFP- Karla P. Calapardo, RND
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