N O T H I N G L I K E A H U G //
Huggies recently launched their No Baby Unhugged program with an intimate breakfast for mothers and their children. A few grown women brought their mothers and I had the opportunity to invite Atticus - he was the perfect date, listening intently as Dr. Marla Shapiro and the other doctors summarized the findings of a recent study on the power of human touch.
Not surprisingly, it has a significant impact on our lives, health and well-being. As Dr. Shapiro discussed, the power of touch begins long before baby is even born. I can remember rubbing my belly in the early days of my pregnancy - way before any visible bump, when these tiny humans were still our own little secret from the world. According to research, as early as 8 weeks after conception, a fetus is able to respond to the sensation of touch in utero! At 5 months my first born, Atticus started kicking - I can still remember feeling this unfamiliar sensation for the first time.
The evidence of studies like these have led to a paradigm shift in neonatal care - uninterupted contact and skin on skin between baby and mother is a huge priority. It has been widely studied that being held, in particular caregiver touch, is a natural, no-cost intervention for many developmental issues in infants.
The Huggies No Baby Unhugged initiative was designed to help all moms understand and embrace the power of hugs. Through a partnership with the Canadian Association of Paediatric Health Centres, Huggies is funding and facilitating hospital hugging programs across Canada.
Visit No Baby Unhugged to share a photo of you and your little one in your belly or arms. When you do, Huggies will thank you for your support by sending you a free pack of Huggies diapers for your newborn and will donate $5 to fund more No Baby Unhugged hospital programs.
