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As a baby develops inside its mother, it is used to feeling the rhythm of her breathing and walking, and the changes of position in everything that she does. At about 15 weeks of pregnancy, sound starts vibrating in the baby's ear with the overwhelming soothing presence of the mother's heartbeat. The mother's voice resounds stereophonic every time she opens her mouth to speak or sing. All of these inner stimuli are helping the baby's brain to develop at an amazing speed.
After birth, similar stimuli will continue to ensure growth and development of the nervous system for the establishment of all the autonomic
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functions. Talking to the new baby, feeding, changing, burping, rocking, and holding her, etc are providing that important stimuli. The short distance between mother's elbow and baby's face is the distance at which the baby can focus her eyes. She will now start attaching a face to that very familiar voice and recognize her mother's scent and the flavor of her milk. A sense of safety and self worth will be the foundation for that person's outlook on life. Every time those familiar arms, breast and voice come consistently to care for her, she will know that she is loved and accepted, and that no matter what, the mother is going to be here to console and take care of her.
(continued on page 2)
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Published by: SDCBC
Printed Courtesy of:
San Diego County Children and Families Commission
Editors:
Nancy Wight, MD, IBCLC
Claudia Erickson, MPH
Designed by:
Creative Impacts
Inquiries can be sent to:
San Diego County Breastfeeding Coalition
Children's Hospital
3020 Children's Way, MC 5073
San Diego, CA 92123-4282
Or
cerickson@chsd.org
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