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Loving, caressing and mothering of babies is absolutely
necessary for their survival. In 1915, Dr. Henry Dwight Chapin
reported that in foundling homes throughout the U.S. where
babies were given adequate nourishment and cleanliness, nearly
every infant under two years died. The mortality rate was almost
100 percent. He had discovered the policy at the time was "no
coddling." The babies died from lack of touch. Human babies
definitely need tender loving care to survive.
Equally important as surviving, is thriving. An infant is born
with a powerful need to be held. His whole self, his whole
being, call out to be in mommy's arms. This holding and touching
are what give him the sense that the world is a safe place, that
he is worthwhile, and that he can trust. Babies need human
skin-to-skin contact. A blanket or a teddy bear is a poor
substitute. They need to be held continually. Touch is vital.
You cannot spoil a baby with holding - actually, the more the
better. Mary D. Salter Ainsworth, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology
at the University of Virginia, conducted a study of twenty-six
infants and their mothers. After studying them for a year, she
discovered that babies who were touched cried the least - even
when left alone. There is no such thing as too much holding of
infants.
For babies to grow up to be loving, caring, affectionate and
considerate adults, they need to experience and abundance of
devoted touching and cuddling. This touching not only ensures
their survival, but gives them a feeling of being loved and
cared for. When babies feel loved, they are able to grow in that
love and give love to others. Touch is vital.
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