Every mother instinctively knows how to hold her child. From how she cradles her baby in her arms, to the way she strokes her baby’s head, the physical act of touching one’s child is a natural expression of the kind of love only a mother can give.
Johnson’s Baby has come out with a very touching video just in time for Mother’s Day that shows the importance of physical contact between mother and child. The video was inspired by a real story about the joys and experiences of motherhood any new mom can relate to.
Like the mother in the video, some new moms feel unnecessary guilt because they think they are not doing enough for their baby. Colloquially labeled “new mom guilt,” it is described as a feeling of inadequacy that some mothers experience, attributed to a perceived personal shortcoming.
Career-oriented mothers often experience this guilt as a result of being too busy at work. First-time moms may feel that their lack of experience means they cannot provide the care their baby needs. Those who are in a same-sex relationship may feel they do not have the ability to provide their infant with a constant father figure.
Whatever the case may be, it is important for you to realize that your touch is enough in your child’s eyes. In fact, numerous studies have shown that skin-to-skin contact between a mother and her baby plays an important role not just in the child’s development, but also the mother’s emotional well-being.
In many hospitals, physical contact between mothers and their infants are actively encouraged. Babies are usually placed on the mother’s chest or abdomen in order to bond with each other. It has been shown that babies who are exposed to their mother’s touch grow stronger, feel less anxiety, and are generally healthier.
Research also suggests that increasing mother-baby contact reduces crying. Results showed that babies who experienced increased carrying throughout the day, in addition to feeding times, cried and fussed less compared to babies who did not — a reaction associated with increased contentment.
So go ahead and let your baby feel your love by letting your touch do the talking. Do not worry so much about picking your babies up often, especially when they’re crying. Contrary to popular belief, this will not spoil them. Touch communicates to your baby that you are there for him, and that you know and understand his needs. Just think about how comforting a friend’s hug feels when you need it the most. The same goes for your baby.
Touch has been described as our first language. It secures a mother’s bond to her baby, and is one of the main ways you can create a nurturing bond with your newborn. So go ahead; stroke, cuddle, and hold your baby. A mother’s touch is the language of pure love.