Understanding the physiology and changes in the body’s chemistry helps us understand why it is important to soothe a distressed or crying baby.
Once we understand what is actually happening in the baby’s body it can be easier to understand why calming and soothing the baby is the right thing to do.
This helps enable us to feel more compassionate towards our baby.
What is happening when your baby is crying?
- When baby cries the hypothalamus in the baby’s brain triggers a chemical chain reaction
- The Pituitary gland stimulates the Adrenal glands to release a hormone into the blood stream called Cortisol.
- Cortisol is a stress hormone which can impact the baby’s developing brain and body if a baby is left crying for long periods.
How you can help?
- Babies need a fast and appropriate response to help them calm down when they are crying
- When parents sooth the baby, a calming hormone is released called Oxytocin.
- This will help baby to sooth more easily as time goes on
- A younger baby will need a quicker response, this will help them become more able to manage and regulate their emotions as they grow older
- This helps your baby to develop trust in you, and helps their brain development AND immune system. Wow!
More information
You can find out more:
Learning cues