Summer 2018
Early Years Bulletin
motor development, physiological benefits for sleep, respiration, elimination, the reduction of colic (Grossman, cited in Field, 2000), and may help to establish bonding as well as attachment (Blackwell, 2000)” (Underdown, Barlow, & Stewart-Brown, 2010, p. 12). Candice decides to try giving Grayson a massage. Since she is studying to be a nurse, she recites the vocabulary for different parts of his body as she learns them from an iPhone app.
In 1935, the first study substantiated the increased morbidity rates among formula-fed babies in comparison to breastfed newborns (Grulee, Sandord, & Schwartz, 1935). Furthermore, newborn immune system support through breastfeeding has been recognized in the literature since 1980, when antibodies were first discovered in breast milk, and a plethora of additional health defense benefits have been identified since that point (Heinig, 2001). Informed with this research, Candice decided to let family and friends greet Grayson with traditional hugs and kisses. As Great-Grandpa held onto his grandson, Candice peacefully soaked in the moment. As Grayson played with his young cousins, she had less fear of germ transfer than before.
After the massage, Candice splashes Grayson in his newborn bathtub. Bath time promotes his physical development without placing weight on his joints. Therefore, care and physical education may take place simultaneously. He kicks his legs and stretches out his arms. He appears relaxed, as his flailing (moro) reflex is no longer easily triggered in the watery space. Candice wonders if this reminds him of his time in the womb, and wishes that he could express all of his reactions to his experiences. A few minutes later, Grayson is ready to move on to another activity. His brief grunts cue Candice to notice the time that has peacefully gone by while he was daydreaming. Her husband, Jack, arrives just in time to help get Grayson out of the bathtub. • Socializing in Diverse Groups Jack caught the flu last week and so did their eldest son, Mateo. Much to Candice’s surprise, Grayson did not get sick, too. She was initially worried about letting family hold Grayson because she had heard frightening stories of recent viruses. She decided to research the topic and found that her exclusive breastfeeding practices benefit Grayson’s immune defense system, and she had less to worry about than she initially thought.
While Grayson has yet to develop the muscles to express a social smile (which typically appears around 6 weeks of age), Candice believes that his eyes are gleaming with an undeniable happiness during these social experiences. With the parents remaining nearby, these experiences can support healthy attachment and further social development. In addition, Grayson begins
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