Infant Mental Health Awareness Week takes place internationally from the 12th – 18th June. The 2023 theme is Bonding Before Birth and Beyond. Tweddle’s work in the first thousand days highlights the critical importance of bonding.
The ‘first thousand days’ refers to the period of development from conception to age 2. New research highlights the incredible window of opportunity that exists during this rapid period of infant development, especially brain architecture, life-long mental health and relationships.
Dr Nicole Milburn, Chair of the Tweddle Foundation and Chair of the Australian Association for Infant Mental Health, has been a leading voice for infants and their mental health for decades in her work as a clinical psychologist.
She noted that during Infant Mental Health Awareness Week, Tweddle becomes an even louder advocates for infants.
“The experiences we have in the earliest years of our lives impact the development of our brains. Experiencing early trauma, such as exposure to family violence or ongoing unrelieved environmental stress, can have a significant impact on brain development, potentially leaving serious and lasting consequences.” she said.
Dr Milburn added that this impact was not inevitable and that secure relationships with parents and caregivers can reduce stress caused by trauma and limit the long-term effect on the baby’s development.
A Baby’s Brain is Built from Day One
The health and well-being of both parents prior to conception have a significant impact on the embryo’s development right from the start.
During pregnancy, the foetus relies on cues from the mother’s physical and mental condition to anticipate the world they will be born into and adapts accordingly. This adaptation can have positive or negative effects, depending on the child’s relationships and surroundings.
The human brain, as well as our immune, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular systems, function as interconnected systems. What happens in the first thousand days of life affects the entire body, potentially influencing the course of a person’s life.
Disadvantages can be inherited at a cellular level across generations. Our biology undergoes changes in response to stress, poverty, and other prolonged adverse experiences, which can be passed down to children from their parents and grandparents.
A Sense of Nurture and Safety Underpin a Baby’s Learning and Growth
When babies and toddlers are raised in an environment that provides them with a sense of calmness and protection, their brain development is optimised, enabling them to prioritise learning.
Conversely, growing up in stressful environments can result in the formation of neural pathways associated with survival, limiting opportunities for healthy brain development. By offering support to parents, we can effectively reduce stressful environments, allowing babies to thrive and setting the stage for positive outcomes in the future.
While not all changes during the first thousand days are permanent, as children grow, their capacity to overcome negative experiences and environments from that period becomes more challenging.
Bonding with your baby begins even before they enter the world. The relationship between a parent and their unborn child can profoundly influence the child’s emotional well-being.
Infants are born with an innate capacity to form attachments, and these early relationships play a crucial role in their mental and emotional development. Secure attachments provide a sense of safety and security, promoting healthy brain development and emotional regulation. Responsive caregiving, including soothing, comforting, and meeting the infant’s needs, fosters trust and forms the building blocks for a strong parent-child bond.
Bonding and positive Infant Mental Health
Engage in activities that promote prenatal bonding, such as playing soft music, reading, and talking to your baby. Engaging in relaxation techniques, like prenatal yoga or meditation, can help reduce stress and create a calm environment for both parent and baby.
In infancy, respond promptly and sensitively to your baby or toddler’s cues and needs. This responsiveness communicates to the baby that they are loved and valued, building a secure attachment. Regular skin-to-skin contact, gentle touch, and eye contact also contribute to the bonding process.
A Parent’s Wellbeing is the Foundation for their Baby’s Wellbeing
It is important to prioritise the emotional well-being of parents. Seeking support from healthcare providers such as Tweddle, a GP, mental health services or MCH nurse can provide a nurturing environment for parents to process stress and emotions and strengthen their bond with the baby.
Infant mental health is intricately linked to the mental health of parents. Seek professional help if you are experiencing postnatal depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges. Remember, seeking support is a sign of strength and enables you to provide the best care for your child.
Infant Mental Health Awareness Week serves as a reminder of the importance of bonding. At Tweddle, by recognising the impact of early relationships on a child’s mental health, we empower parents to create a nurturing environment that fosters emotional well-being and relationships for life.
Contact Tweddle if you would like more information about our services and programs on (03) 9689 1577.
During Infant Mental Health Awareness Week, we highlight the opportunity to support the important work of Tweddle. A tax-deductible donation to the Tweddle Foundation will help us to support families with babies and toddlers to thrive and change the trajectory of their lives.
You can support the work of Tweddle through the Tweddle Foundation by visiting our donations page here.
https://www.tweddle.org.au/get-involved/donate/
