Georgia
The late Adolf Portmann, a Swiss zoologist and anthropologist, once described humans as “physiologically premature babies.” Unlike other mammals, he suggested, humans come into the world too early. We are not able to survive without round-the-clock care in the first year of life. The reason for this, he claimed, is that evolution has made the female pelvis too narrow to allow a child’s head and body to pass through it after about 10 months of growth. Mother Nature therefore decided that humans need to come into the world a little earlier.
You might be wondering where we are going with this rather scientific antidote. It’s simple. This biological explanation shows just how important parents are to their babies in the first few months of life. Physical contact plays a key role at this stage, alongside feeding, changing and bathing.
In the first few weeks especially, a baby will usually not like being separated from caregivers, especially mum or the primary caregiver. Therefore, slings or baby carriers are very helpful for the first few months. “Baby wearing” allows you to keep your child in close contact with your body for long periods. Additionally, it allows you to keep your hands free, giving you the freedom to prepare food or formula, or take care of other tasks. Your back will also thank you for using one.
In addition to baby wearing, the various opportunities for physical touch throughout the day and night are also important for your baby. Stroke and touch your baby whenever you get the chance. Hold them gently in your arms when breastfeeding. Show them how connected you are. Experts refer to this as the building of “primal trust.” It means that the child develops a sense of emotional security with their parents or caregivers. This bond of trust creates the foundation for good social relationships later in life, as well as self-confidence and the ability to experience the world as a good place.
Studies have also shown that in the first few weeks especially, skin-to-skin physical contact has a particularly positive effect on the child’s development. For this reason, a newborn should always be placed on the mother’s or father’s chest straight after birth if possible. Even children who initially need special medical support, such as an incubator, are given close skin-to-skin contact with their parents, who are supported in this by the medical team. This process is often also referred to as bonding.
Did you know? Skin-to-skin contact releases the hormone oxytocin, which reduces stress and triggers pleasant feelings. Therefore, when at home or in the bath, cuddle your little one without any clothes between you. Either mum or dad can lay the baby naked on their bare chest. Allow your little one to hear your heartbeat- something your baby has been hearing already for nearly 40 weeks in mum’s womb. The familiar rhythm will calm and comfort them. Of course, this time of closeness might not be easy to implement in every culture, but if you can do it, it will help you create an intimate bond with your baby. Keep each other close, physically and emotionally.
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