Dennis Relojo-Howell

The Mental Health of the Newborn: The Importance of Tactility from Day 1

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Dennis Relojo-Howell, (2022, January 13). The Mental Health of the Newborn: The Importance of Tactility from Day 1. Psychreg on Mental Health & Well-Being. https://www.psychreg.org/mental-health-newborn-importance-tactility/
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Every child is unique and special, and the adults who surround them make every effort to ensure that they have a prosperous life. After all, fatherhood is a special vocation that requires great wisdom and the development of new skills and abilities. When a family has a baby, all attention immediately turns to him, because he is completely defenseless. But it is also important not to forget our own needs and to renew our vital energy by taking time for our dreams and plans. Since ancient times, there has been a golden rule, when a mother is self-fulfilled when she is happy, then the whole family and in particular the little baby is happy beside her.

The first point in life for a child is the family in which she was born. And the main task of parents is to raise a mature, wholesome and responsible person. And whatever qualities parents may be trying to develop in a child, the main thing is to build their upbringing on love.

A baby’s tactile sensations

A newborn baby still sees and hears badly, and learns the outside world through touch. The most pleasant and close touch is the embrace of the mother, in whose womb the child has spent 9 months and heard her voice and heartbeat. Scientific studies prove that babies who receive a sufficient amount of affectionate touch develop much better than babies who are taken in the arms only when necessary. It is the lack of communication with adults and limited tactile sensations that are the main reasons why children from orphanages lag in their development.

Have you ever paid attention to the fact that when a baby cries in the cradle, it is enough for the mother to take him in her arms and hold him, and it has an instant effect? The baby immediately feels needed and protected and shuts up. Consequently, do not miss even the slightest opportunity to hug your baby.

Mums who feed their babies naturally are much more likely to hold their babies in their arms. If you for some reason or others have to use baby formula, then try as much as possible to pamper their babies with gentle stroking and cuddling.

The relationship between food and emotional well-being

The food we eat affects both our physical and mental health, it is not without reason that they say: “You are what you eat.” Due to the rapid growth and development, the intensity of metabolic processes, and high motor activity, children require more calories than adults. The ration should be rich in vitamins, and minerals, including trace elements (potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, iron). It is necessary to observe the diet. Also remember that some products (salt, sugar, onions, garlic, carbonated drinks) consumed by a nursing woman often causes an increase in hormones in the body that contribute to anger and emotional tension. Conversely, drinking plenty of water, fruits and vegetables helps to manage emotions and maintain a stable state of the body. The culture of nutrition of the child depends entirely on the parents, so it is necessary to explain what products are good for the health of children, and which ones are harmful. It is important to monitor the child’s diet, giving preference to vitaminised products. If the baby consumes baby formula, parents should be sure of its composition.

Never say that you do not have time to bring up your child because it means: I never love him. And always remember: we bring up children by our example, our value system, the usual tone of communication, a gentle hug, attitude to work, and leisure. Let us learn to raise our children to be happy, intelligent, and developed.


Dennis Relojo-Howell is the managing director of Psychreg.

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