Skin-to-skin contact with mothers could boost baby brain development and function

New US research has found that Kangaroo Care, which is a method of caring for babies whlch involves skin-to-skin, chest-to chest contact, could promote neurophysiological development In newborns.

New U.S. research has found that Kangaroo Care, which is a baby care method that involves skin-to - skin, chest-to-to-to-to-to-to-to-chest contact, may promote neurophysiological development in newborns.


Carried out by researchers at Florida Atlantic Unlversity, the new study looked at 33 mothers assigned to a Kangaroo Care group who were taught proper Kangaroo Care procedures by a certified trainer while pregnant.

Carried out by Florida Atlantic Unlversity researchers, the new study looked at 33 mothers assigned to the Kangaroo Care group who were taught proper Kangaroo Care procedures by a certified trainer while pregnant.


After their babies were born, 16 of the mothers were asked to use the skin-to-skin, chest-to-chest Kangaroo Care with their newborn for one hour a day fora period of six weeks. They were asked to record how much they used Kangaroo Care In a Journal.

After their babies were born, 16 mothers were asked to use the skin-to - skin, chest-to-chest Kangaroo Care with their newborns for one hour a day for a period of six weeks. They were asked to record how much Kangaroo Care was used in the Journal.


The other 17 mothers acted as a control group and were given Infant feeding pillows along with Journals to record Infant feedings over the six weeks.

The other 17 mothers acted as a control group and were given Infant's feeding pillows along with Journals to record Infant's feeding for six weeks.


To measure the babies' brain development, specifically activity in the left frontal area of the brain, the researchers placed a Lycra stretch cap over the babies' heads at three months of age to measure activity. The researchers also measured levels of a hormone called oxytocin in the mothers' and babies' urine, which is also known as the "cuddle" hormone as it is linked with caregiving and affectlonate behavior.

To measure baby brain development, specifically activity in the left front of the brain, the researchers placed a Lycra stretch cap over the baby's head at the age of three months to measure activity. The researchers also measured the levels of the hormone called oxytocin in mother's and baby's urine, which is also known as the "cuddle" hormone because it is linked to caring and affects the body.


Levels of cortisol, known as the stress" hormone, were also measured using sallva samples. The findings, published In the Journal Infant Behavior and Development, showed that in the babies who received six weeks of Kangaroo Care during their flrst three months of life, the left frontal area of the brain (which is used in cognitive and emotional regulatory skills) appeared to be more stimulated, compared to the babies In the control group who received standard care.

Cortisol levels, known as stress hormone, were also measured using sallva samples. The findings, published in the Journal Infant Behavior and Development, showed that the left front area of the brain (which is used in cognitive and emotional regulatory skills) appeared to be More stimulated compared to infants In the control group who received standard care.


In additlon, the mothers and babies in the Kangaroo Care group also showed Increased oxytocin levels and lower stress levels.

In addition, mothers and infants in the Kangaroo Care group also showed increased levels of oxytocin and lower levels of stress.


The researchers say the findings suggest that caring for babies with skin-to-skin contact and emphasizing mother-Infant touch is essential for promoting neurophyslological development."We wanted to know if exposure to extended tactile Stimulation using the Kangaroo Care method would increase peripheral basal oxytocin and suppress cortisol reactivity in the babies in our study," said Nancy Aaron Jones, PhD, senior author. "We also wanted to examine if Kangaroo Care increases oxytocin levels in mothers, which has important implications for postpartum depression."

Researchers say the findings suggest that taking care of babies with skin-to - skin contact and stressing mother-to - child contact is essential for promoting neurophyslological development. "We wanted to know if exposure to extended tactile stimulation using the Kangaroo Care method would increase peripheral basal oxytocin and suppress cortisol reactivity in infants in our study, "said Nancy Aaron Jones, PhD, Principal Author. "We also wanted to examine whether Kangaroo Care increases the level of oxytocin in mothers, which has important implications for postpartum depression."


"Our findings across several studies demonstrate a link between the supportive dimensions of maternal caregiving behavior and left hemisphere neurodevelopment, with maternal warmth and sensitivity predicting greater regulatory abllities and secure attachment," said Jones. "Full-term infants and their mothers likely benefit from the positlve interactive experiences inherent in extended Kangaroo Care use."

"Our findings across a number of studies show a link between the supportive dimensions of maternal caring behavior and left hemisphere neurodevelopment, with maternal warmth and sensitivity predicting greater regulatory capacity and secure attachment," said Jones. "Full-term infants and their mothers are likely to benefit from the interactive experiences inherent in the extended Kangaroo Car.

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