Massage your baby to strengthen your relationship
For a newborn, contact is a fundamental need, just like nourishment.
Human newborns are born “premature” compared to the puppies of other mammals. The child expects to be kept close, not to detach from the mother.
Every day I put Mia in the baby carrier, a wonderful tool that helps me strengthen our bond. I have always wanted to do it and I’m well aware of its benefits. I love walking around with her, knowing that she can look at the world while still feeling protected. It’s a magical experience.
Alex, Mia’s mum and Babywearing Peer and Supporter
The baby passes from the belly (a warm environment, where it is contained and receives nourishment) to the world (an environment that is too large, empty and still).
Children therefore need their mothers, not only for physical nourishment, but also for contact, for movement, to find what they are most used to: the womb.
In fact, we speak of exogestation: that period of nine months in which a symbiosis is created between mother and child, both seek contact.
Babywearing fits into this context of mutual listening, and is a tool to meet the needs of the child.
We are often told that holding the baby in your arms or carrying him spoils him, does not make him independent, when in reality it is the exact opposite: satisfying his need for contact promotes secure attachment, the solid basis that will allow him. then to be a balanced and independent adult.
In addition to this there are other benefits of babywearing for both mom and baby:
• allows the child to be indulged in the need for contact,
• crying decreases,
• helps the child’s physical and mental development,
• reassure the child,
• allows mum to feel more confident,
• helps prevent postpartum depression,
• strengthens the bond between mother and child,
• gives comfort to the mother who can carry the baby and still be free to move,
• gives intimacy to the dyad.
Particular attention should be paid to carrying premature babies: this practice has particular benefits for them. Kangaroo Mother Care is often used in neonatal intensive care: skin-to-skin contact regulates temperature, promotes breastfeeding, reduces hospital stay times and nourishes the bond between mother and baby. The contact between the two bodies has very powerful effects on the premature baby, but also on the mother who is able to better manage the situation and the pain that ensues.
Even for children with special needs, carrying is even more important because it allows them to experiment but without being over-stimulated.
Before starting the path – which can last as long as mom and baby want, just like breastfeeding – it is good to inquire about the support you want to use (baby carrier, mei tai, sling, etc.) and make sure it is ergonomic.
Doula Alessandra – Deeply Mum