Presentation Information

Building Strong Bonds: The Neurobiology of Parent-Infant Attachment in the NICU

• Speaker: Raylene Phillips , MD, MA, FAAP, FABM, IBCLC
• Presentation Type:
• Duration: 75 Mins
• Credits: 1.25 CERP, 1.25 Nursing CEU, 1.25 CME

Abstract:

Developing secure bonds of attachment is a major developmental task for all human babies, a process that is considered to be foundational for future mental health and even physical wellbeing. The mechanism for doing so is called “nurturing,” and a growing body of evidence supports the impact of nurturing on physiologic stability, co-regulation and growth, as well as brain development and ongoing physical and emotional health. The first bond of attachment is between mother and baby and begins before birth. Separation of mothers and babies always causes stress and interrupts the bonding and attachment process. When temporary separation is necessary in the NICU, there are ways we can support mothers and babies to help minimize the detrimental effects of separation and to promote healing. This presentation will describe the neuroscience behind parent-infant bonding and attachment and the neurobiology of skin-to-skin contact as a modality for nurturing babies. We will describe ways to communicate with NICU babies in a manner that enhances bonding and attachment and promotes the development of trust as well as enhances brain and language development. We will discuss ways to support babies, mothers, families, and staff in promoting bonding and attachment in the NICU.