Day One: Connection
Babies are born with an innate drive to attach. That is, to seek proximity and emotional connection to their primary caregivers, usually their parents.
Understanding Connection
We see this drive to connect in the way that babies often rest easily in the arms of a caregiver, and in the way our presence during the night can result in easier bedtimes and soothing.
Biologically speaking, when a parent responds to their baby's cries with love and care, a cascade of neurochemical processes occurs in both the infant's and parent's brains.
One example is a surge in oxytocin, often called the "love hormone" or "bonding hormone,” which acts to strengthen the emotional connection between parent and child.
Research in fields such as neurology, psychology, and epigenetics confirm time and again that nurturing connection during infancy has a lasting impact on emotional regulation, gene expression, and long-term health and well-being. What this means, day-to-day, is that when we connect with our babies responsively and sensitively, we’re supporting their emotional and cognitive development and laying the foundations for a healthy, secure future.
Because connection also has a profound impact on adult well-being. In fact, connection lies at the heart of our human experience. It's a fundamental aspect of our lives, influencing our emotional, psychological, and physical well-being in a myriad of ways…
Today's Task: Connect
Connection isn’t a luxury; it's a necessity for our well-being. It supports us emotionally, fosters a sense of belonging, and reduces stress levels, and the good news is - we can connect in many ways.
That bedtime snuggle with your baby? Connection.
The story you read to your toddler during quiet time? Connection.
The voice note from your bestie that you finally get a chance to listen to while you’re prepping dinner? Connection.
So with all of that in mind, let’s get to today’s task…
Tomorrow, we'll be exploring the world of attunement, and how 'tuning in' to baby's needs can have a profound effect on our wellbeing as moms. See you then!