Page 3 - The First 60 Days Magazine - October 2023

Early Nurturing is Significant

An abundance of research over decades has
demonstrated the importance of relationships on the
developing brain. Studies have shown that humans are
biologically designed for relationships and now there are
new research findings on the significance of timing.

Babies are born with a primary need to have someone
care for and provide for them. A newborn is completely
dependent on at least one relationship with another
person. Through having someone lovingly and
consistently respond to expressed needs in a nurturing
way, brain pathways for optimal development are being
created.

If an infant’s needs for touch, nutrition, warmth, security
and sleep are responded to repeatedly, timely and
predictably in a caring way, this will create the feelings of
connection, safety and trust that the immature brain
craves and requires.

Since early relationships directly impact the way that a
brain develops, they can have an effect on relationships,
health, behavior and learning in many ways.

Children whose needs are not met consistently or with
harshness will more likely have an extensive focus on
survival, develop controlling behaviors, stress related
illnesses, may develop a belief in unworthiness, have
difficulty with learning and more.

Continuous research reinforces this knowledge. It is
importantly also providing enhanced understanding that
nurturing relationships have a significant influence in the
first two months.

“The basic finding is that the experiences of the first
two months of life have a disproportionately
important impact on your long-term health and
development. This has to do with the remarkably
rapid growth of the brain early in life, and the
organization of those all-important core regulatory
networks."
-Bruce D. Perry, M.D, Ph.D.

By Deborah McNelis, M.Ed

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