{"id":35315,"date":"2019-01-20T16:35:26","date_gmt":"2019-01-20T13:35:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mumsynatural.live\/uncategorized-en\/the-science-of-hugging-how-touch-shapes-your-babys-brain-and-emotional-health\/"},"modified":"2019-01-20T16:35:26","modified_gmt":"2019-01-20T13:35:26","slug":"the-science-of-hugging-how-touch-shapes-your-babys-brain-and-emotional-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mumsynatural.live\/en\/motherhood\/the-science-of-hugging-how-touch-shapes-your-babys-brain-and-emotional-health\/","title":{"rendered":"The Science of Hugging: How Touch Shapes Your Baby\u2019s Brain and Emotional Health"},"content":{"rendered":"<p aria-level=\"2\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Touch Is the First and Last Sense<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:299,&quot;335559739&quot;:299}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Touch is the first sense to develop in the womb and the last to fade with age. It\u2019s more than physical\u2014touch communicates connection, safety, and love. In moments where words fall short, a simple hug can offer deep comfort. Science confirms what our instincts already know: <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">holding, touching, and hugging are vital for human development\u2014especially for babies.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">From the moment your baby leaves the safety of the womb, your arms become their new sanctuary. No matter the type of delivery, <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">skin-to-skin contact<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> right after birth isn\u2019t just nice\u2014it\u2019s essential.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"2\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Skin-to-Skin Contact Builds Security and Connection<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:299,&quot;335559739&quot;:299}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Research from Nationwide Children\u2019s Hospital in Ohio found that gentle touch and frequent cuddling significantly support the development of premature and newborn babies. These interactions help babies adjust to life outside the womb by mimicking the secure environment they once knew. That\u2019s why many neonatal units now encourage <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">skin-to-skin care<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, even in incubators.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When babies are held close, levels of <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">oxytocin<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, the &#8220;love hormone,&#8221; increase. This hormone reduces stress, fear, and anxiety\u2014for both baby and parent. It also plays a critical role in <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">initiating labor and supporting breastfeeding<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, and even <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">blocks the brain&#8217;s fear center<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, making mothers more protective and attuned to their baby\u2019s needs.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"2\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Why Hugs Matter\u2014For Parents Too<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:299,&quot;335559739&quot;:299}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The benefits of hugging aren\u2019t just for the baby. Oxytocin is also released in parents during skin-to-skin contact, lowering stress hormones like cortisol and supporting emotional bonding. For fathers, physical closeness with their baby can deepen their connection and reduce anxiety in early parenthood.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"2\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Touch Enhances Growth, Immunity, and Emotional Regulation<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:299,&quot;335559739&quot;:299}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Frequent hugs and physical closeness:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"27\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stimulate <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">brain growth<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> by enhancing neural connections<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"27\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Promote the release of <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">growth hormones<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"27\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Strengthen the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">immune system<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"27\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Lower <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">pain<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">blood pressure<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"27\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Help babies <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">regulate emotions<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and manage stress more effectively<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"27\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Support <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">secure attachment<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and emotional resilience<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A hugged baby is not a &#8220;spoiled&#8221; baby. A hugged baby is <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">safe, connected, and better prepared for the world.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"2\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Myth of \u201cSpoiling\u201d Your Baby by Holding Them<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:299,&quot;335559739&quot;:299}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Forget the outdated advice that says you\u2019ll spoil a baby by holding them too much. Babies need <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">physical closeness<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> to feel secure. Touch helps them regulate their emotions, calm their nervous system, and feel loved. The more you hug them, the more confident and grounded they become.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If skin-to-skin contact isn\u2019t possible, even holding your baby\u2019s hand or gently stroking their back can create soothing effects. Touch helps them settle down, sleep better, and feel your presence in a world that\u2019s still new and unfamiliar.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"2\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Hug Often\u2014for Your Baby and Yourself<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:299,&quot;335559739&quot;:299}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hugging is one of the simplest, yet most powerful acts of care. It reduces stress, improves emotional balance, and builds lifelong bonds.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">So the next time you feel overwhelmed or stressed, hug someone you love\u2014or better yet, hug your baby. In doing so, you both release oxytocin, lower your heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and strengthen your immune systems.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"2\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Final Thoughts: A Life Filled with Oxytocin Is a Life Filled with Love<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:299,&quot;335559739&quot;:299}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Touch is medicine. It soothes, heals, and connects. A warm embrace supports not only your child\u2019s <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">physical development<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> but their <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">emotional intelligence<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">stress resilience<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, and <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">sense of belonging<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Let go of the myths, and lean into love. Hug often. Hug long. And don\u2019t forget to hug yourself, too.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Touch Is the First and Last Sense\u00a0 Touch is the first sense to develop in the womb and the last<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":33079,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3052],"tags":[5260,5259,5240,5247,5253,5243,5238,5237,5268,5232,5265,5252,5257,5249,5255,5250,5239,5254,5235,5258,5245,5246,5256,5244,5241,5261,5231,5234,5267,5264,5262,5242,5263,5233,5266,5248,5236,5251],"class_list":["post-35315","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-motherhood","tag-anne-bebek-sevgisi-en","tag-annelik-hormonu-en","tag-asik-insanlar-en","tag-asik-olma-hormonu-en","tag-ask-hakkinda-ilginc-bilgiler-en","tag-ask-hormonlari-en","tag-ask-hormonu-en","tag-ask-ile-ilgili-bilimsel-aciklamalar-en","tag-aska-dair-hersey-en","tag-dopamin-serotonin-oksitosin-en","tag-dopamin-ve-serotonin-en","tag-korku-hormonu-en","tag-korku-hormonu-nedir-en","tag-mutlu-olmanin-faydalari-en","tag-mutlu-olmanin-formulleri-en","tag-oksitosin-hormonu-en","tag-oksitosin-hormonu-nedir-en","tag-oksitosin-nedir-en","tag-oksitosin-nelerde-bulunur-en","tag-oksitosin-sprey-en","tag-sadakat-hormonu-en","tag-sarilarak-uyuma-en","tag-sarilarak-uyumak-en","tag-sarilma-en","tag-sarilma-terapisi-en","tag-sarilmak-ask-en","tag-sarilmak-oksitosin-en","tag-sarilmanin-faydalari-en","tag-serotonin-artirma-en","tag-serotonin-artirma-yollari-en","tag-serotonin-dopamin-en","tag-serotonin-dopamin-oksitosin-endorfin-en","tag-serotonin-ve-dopamin-en","tag-sevgi-hormonu-en","tag-uyumanin-faydalari-en","tag-yatakta-en","tag-yatakta-sarilmak-en","tag-zevk-hormonu-en"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mumsynatural.live\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35315","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mumsynatural.live\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mumsynatural.live\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mumsynatural.live\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mumsynatural.live\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35315"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/mumsynatural.live\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35315\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mumsynatural.live\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/33079"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mumsynatural.live\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35315"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mumsynatural.live\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35315"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mumsynatural.live\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35315"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}