10 Amazing Benefits of Mother’s Touch for a Baby

Who doesn't enjoy snuggling, holding, kissing or hugging a cute little munchkin? We know everyone does! The researchers over the years have clearly stated a definite connection between a warm human touch and newborn well-being. It has been clinically proven when a miracle Australian mum brought her premature baby son back to life within two hours of loving cuddles, and kangaroo mother care after doctors pronounced him dead. So, it won’t be wrong to say that a nurturing skin-to-skin embrace from a mother provides multiple benefits, which are important for the growth and development of the baby.

Children are naturally born to be closer to their mom. The hour after the infant is born is called as The Golden Hour, in which the mother and the child creates a special chemical bond. Let’s take a look at some of the duly noted benefits of a mother’s touch for her infant.

A Regulated Body Temperature for the Baby Development

During the gestation period, mother and baby share many things. The mother’s womb and placenta are replete with all the nutrients and warmth needed for the baby. However, just after birth, the baby needs the same warmth and, it’s the chest of the mother that provides the same warmth offering an optimum body temperature and allowing the infant to consume the energy. The process is enough to control the baby’s body temperature.

Does Your Baby Cry a lot?

Well, this probably means the baby hasn’t received enough mother’s touch. A research indicates that a kangaroo mother care reduces the crying of the baby to a great extent. The close touch between a mom and child produces a sense of security in the infant which gives them a surety that they are secure, and in safe hands. So, the next time your child cries, you most likely know what needs to be done.

A Good Night Sleep for the Mother and Baby!

The skin-to-skin contact enables the newborn children to sleep more efficiently, and for a longer duration. This also allows the new mother to get more rest and experience less stress and anxiety.

Enhanced Physiological Stability

A mother’s touch works wonders and we all know that. It not only helps the child in achieving their ideal potential but also promotes physiological stability. The skin-to-skin touch assists in balancing the infants’ blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of hypoglycemia. The magic touch of a mother caters to the newborn baby’s needs in the best possible way.

Improved Gut Health and Immunity of the Baby

Kangaroo mother care enhances the digestive system of the baby. The skin-to-skin touch encourages the vagal nerve, enhancing the growth in the size of the villi in the infants gut. This process offers a big surface area for the inclusion of sufficient nutrition.
The Benefits of Breastfeeding a Baby

Nature gifts some innate abilities to the babies. The inherent sense of smell and sucking instinct makes them automatically learn to breastfeed and latch onto the mother's bosom. The babies know by instinct how to get nourishment from the mother. Naturally and instinctively they get their feed from the mother’s bosom.

A Strong Connection between the Mother and Baby

Here’s is the thing, the mother and baby touch is the strongest bond we have known and the moment the child is brought in contact with the mother, her warmth gives a sense of smell that helps the newborn feel safe. The mother turns out to be more tuned into her infant, which in turn creates a safer and a strong bond between the duo.

Relief from the Postpartum Depression

As we know, on an average, around 10% to 15% of women suffer from postpartum depression with symptoms like mood swings, anxiety and insomnia. But once the child is handed over to the mother shortly after birth, it arouses hormonal patterns and reduces the depression significantly.

Enhanced Brain Development of the Child

After the delivery, the child is immediately detached from the womb which could make him prone to loud noises and sounds. It is the kangaroo mother care of the mother that provides physical contact, warmth, and nourishment -encouraging a positive body and mind development of the mother and the child.

A Healthy Weight Gain for the Baby!

A mother’s touch encourages a healthy weight gain after the delivery, while the absence of touch hinders growth. So the next time you sense a stagnant weight of your newborn child, you know what to do!

Now you know multiple benefits of mother’s touch, it is imperative to give skin-to-skin contact to your babies. Your smooth and steady heart rate will offer a sense of relief to your little one leading to an enhanced lifestyle.

Keep posting your comments here to benefit other mothers who are in the same phase of life.
There’s definitely something magical about a mother's touch:-)

Until then, Happy Parenting!