2.1 Nurturing
An increasing number of more recent studies, utilizing brain imaging and other new technologies, now document the impact of nurturing, supportive interaction and ‘sensitive caregiving’ on both brain function and structure” (Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, 2019, para. 2).
To really think about babies and how they develop, we have to think about who is taking care of them and the nature of the relationship(s). Babies are completely dependent on caregivers for survival. Knowing that genetics and experience work together to determine development, we can clearly see the caregiver-child relationship is absolutely critical to early brain development and the child’s survival, health and well-being.
Typical parent-baby interaction has been compared to the “serve and return” (or back and forth) aspect of a tennis match. This refers to the way a baby makes vocalizations and gestures that encourage adults to respond back in a similar way. This type of interaction supports healthy brain development.
The next webpage is from Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child. It has information and a video that describes how “serve and return” interactions work.
In the next video, notice the connection between mother and baby.
How is this an example of a “serve and return” interaction between the baby and the parent?
Dr. Megan Gunnar of the University of Minnesota describes her research on how babies responded to getting shots in a doctor’s office. She explains how an infant’s secure attachment to a caregiver can act as a buffer (protection) in a stressful situation. Babies with insecure attachments to caregivers experienced a rise in cortisol (a stress hormone) while those with secure attachments did not. On the next page in this module you will learn more about the harmful effects of excessive cortisol elevation.
In the next video, watch as 7 month old Solange experiences a visit to the doctor.
What did you see the mother doing to help Solange calm down? How might this buffer stress?
On the next page, you will see more about how nurturing care and positive relationships can protect the growing brain and support healthy development.
