The Baby Cloud Guest Blog:
Here are The Baby Cloud we are so happy to bring you the next instalment of The Baby Cloud Blog.
This episode we would like to introduce you to Jan Le-Mar, Jan is a qualified midwife with over 28 year’s experience and here she is with some expert advice on baby brain development and bonding – both pre and post-natal!
Jan Le Mar – Qualified Midwife
Hi there, my name is Jan and I am a registered midwife, I have worked with expectant parents and newborn babies for over 28 years.
As a Registered Midwife, I love all things Mum and baby!
Parents vs science
The nature and nurture of becoming a parent fascinates me and fills me with amazement. From conception through to the early newborn days, I strive to maintain a healthy balance for my parents (and expectant parents) between their preferences, and our professional guidelines and advice.
As midwives we are trained to consider parental wishes AND supporting them in making informed choices, using evidence based research. We want the best and safest outcome for all.
My most favourite thing is birth education, it begins right from the first appointment when we meet you at around 8wks pregnant. One of the first conversations we have is around health, both for the parent and the newborn. This includes the food and drinks to be avoided, vitamin supplements, smoking, vaccinations, blood tests and scans, the benefits of breastmilk etc etc.
During Ante-Natal appointments, educating parents on baby's brain development is high on the list of priorities, I enjoy the wonder in their faces as they often hear for the first time about the positive impact they can have on their baby's brain development right from that early stage!
Those first precious hours…
Your baby’s brain is like a sponge that is ready and waiting to absorb everything that is going on around them, whether it is from visual stimulation, hearing, touch, smell, or taste.
The latter three senses start immediately with the birth of the head as it collects friendly bacteria and bodily fluids from the genital area, then is placed directly up onto the chest of the person giving birth. Immediate skin to skin contact is recognised by Midwives, and other healthcare professionals, as an effective way to stimulate the production of oxytocin. This, in turn, creates a calm, peaceful, and loving environment for the newborn in the immediate post-natal period. Research has shown that skin to skin contact for at least one hour (The Golden Hour) also ensures baby's normal temperature is maintained, that their respirations are within the normal range, blood glucose levels are supported, and it also facilitates earliest attempts for baby to feed and production of the colostrum.
Leaving the umbilical cord intact during this time also helps facilitate skin to skin contact with the birth parent as it prevents baby from being physically moved from them too soon. This, of course, is only possible if a physiological third stage has occurred as long as no post-partum syntocinon injection is given. Once the cord has been cut, then it is the perfect time also, for the other birth parent to cuddle baby skin to skin!
The first 1000 hours…
Connections built in the first years of life are the building blocks of their future, and for them to develop properly, children need to be nourished and nurtured in a safe and positive environment from pregnancy right through the early weeks, months, years and beyond. Not everyone knows the importance of this, and as midwives we aim to help spread the word.
Everything that babies take in with all their five senses, builds connections in their brain; and one of the most important ways you can build those connections, and to stimulate your baby’s brain development, is to talk. This very much also applies to the ante natal period.
The first 1000hrs of brain development (between becoming pregnant, and your baby’s 2nd birthday) are really important. Although we are hopefully, fully aware of this once they are born, research has now proved that it is just as important in pregnancy.
Did you know that by 22wks of pregnancy babies are beginning to react to, and recognise sounds? This includes your voices, and the noises of children and pets that are consistently within their surroundings, along with the regular music or TV programmes that are in your home, and therefore, in the baby’s environment.
Research on brain scans performed on newborns have shown that the brains are heavier, and more developed in those babies who have had a calmer, safe and secure experience during the ante natal period. Promoting oxytocin, even when they're still inside their mother’s tummy.
Scientific research has also revealed that when unborn babies and young children feel stressed they release a hormone called cortisol, which prevents healthy brain development.
Grow your baby’s brain…
An award winning campaign called Grow My Brain was created by Midwives in the Medway NHS Trust in Kent and forms the basis of Midwifery and Health Visiting guidance for pregnant women and new parents. It aims to raise awareness of the importance of bonding with babies in the womb, and the first days and years of a child’s life.
Promoting and reinforcing the production of oxytocin (the love hormone) is proven to facilitate long term healthy emotional development and good communication skills by developing the right side of the brain. UNICEF reports that the brain's right side in a baby develops best when they enjoy a strong bond with their parents or carers. This in turn, will affect what sort of adult they will grow up to be, from how well they are able to manage their feelings to whether they can form positive relationships.
Simple actions like singing to your baby, stroking or talking to your bump, as well as to a newborn, helps your little one to feel loved and safe.
Take a read of the Grow my Brain Campaign, it is fascinating and remember- Babies are not born smart, they are made smart!
Thank you to Jan for your Baby Cloud blog, so many amazing & fascinating insights into baby’s brain development & how to start bonding with your little ones from before your bump is visible right through to the special early weeks together! #midwives #midwife #education #labour #pregnancy #growmybrain
Watch this space for more guest speakers in the coming months.
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