Just when it is highly difficult for a stressed mother to offer the most support, when a baby is wailing inconsolably, is when an infant needs loving attention the most.

This approach especially in the first year of life pays dividends for later security, according to data from the large National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Study of Early Child Care.

That study shows that the mother’s sensitivity to her child’s needs is associated significantly with the chances forming a secure attachment to the mother, Nancy McElwain, Ph.D., of the University of Illinois here, and Cathryn Booth-LaForce, Ph.D., of the University of Washington in Seattle, reported in the August issue of the Journal of Family Psychology…

“The first year of life is so important and we can see from this study that the way mothers and caregivers respond to a baby’s distress is a very important factor in the child’s healthy development,” Dr. McElwain said. “It’s important that babies become securely attached to their caregivers because it’s the foundation for future healthy child development.”

Mothers who realize they are uncomfortable with their baby’s distress should try to change, she said. “Ideally, you want to show your child through your facial expression and your tone of voice that you understand how she feels and that you empathize with her,” Dr. McElwain said.

“Respond in a timely way to your infant’s cues, and let your interactions with your infant be driven by the baby’s agenda, not your agenda,” she added. “Try to see things from the infant’s point of view as much as possible.”

But the mother shouldn’t be obsessed. “Sensitivity doesn’t necessarily mean responding to your baby every minute of the day,” Dr. McElwain said. “It does mean thinking about why the baby is upset.”

Source: medpageTODAY
http://www.medpagetoday.com/Pediatrics/Parenting/tb/3828