Maternal-Child Care

http://www.co.kewaunee.wi.gov/section.asp?linkid=2266&locid=194

The class discussed the importance of maternal-child care. The topic was separated into various categories: High risk/Normal risk, pre- and post-health, relationship with the baby, baby development/epigenetic, the role of partner, PPD, keeping kid active, education, and mental health. The part I'm focused on the importance of bonding with a newborn. 

Why do we need to build a relationship with our babies? He/She is just a baby. He/She is too young. That's what most people think. Research supports that our interactions with our child during its first year sets the foundation of a child's ability to develop relationships with others. There are different ways to bond with our kids such as 

• Listening to a baby's feeling: A baby's cry is his major form of communication. Figure out what each cry means and what's different about each cry. Sometimes the baby needs to be changed, or fed, or take a nap, or just vent [like adults do]. Bond with your baby by holding her and continually reassuring the kid. 
• Treating your child(ren) with love and kindness only then will they learn to do the same to others. 
• Showing physical affection by touch. Caring for your kid and portraying positive attitudes. 
• Erik Erikson talked about trust vs. mistrust in the first years of a baby's development. Tend to your baby on time to build that trust that's necessary for both you and the child. Caring for the child's needs on time forms attachment and they learn to trust those caring for them. 
• Go exercising with your child. Go for a walk. Dance together. Smiling at your child builds a positive warmth. As they get older, it becomes a habit, which is important in social interactions.

Basically, pay attention to your child(ren). Pay attention to their physical, mental, social, emotional needs. When parents bond with their child, it enables the kid to feel secure and foster a sense of positive self-esteem. Paying attention to your kid is the most important thing because so many things are missed, and by the time it's realized, it is too late. Here's a site that elaborates more on the topic: 

https://www.brighthorizons.com/family-resources/e-family-news/2011-building-relationships-with-babies