The health of your baby is largely determined by the health of your microbiome. These are the little bugs that live in and on our bodies. In fact when we are born our protective army known as the immune system, is not yet fully developed. It is the exposure to the trillions of amazing little bacteria and micro-organisms found in the birth canal during birth as well as breastfeeding that lay its foundation. These micro-organisms grow, rapidly colonizing our baby’s gut. They are essential not only for the immune system, but to help digest your baby’s food, help create vitamins including Vitamin K and plays a major role in mood regulation and brain health.
However, as a new mother, expectations are high and we often feel guilty when the housework is not done. We somehow feel compelled to maintain the house, thinking we are creating a safe clean environment for our new babies.
Happily the opposite is true!
The good news for exhausted, overwhelmed mums is that a recent study by scientists at the John’s Hopkins Children’s Centre found that babies exposed to dirt, dander and household germs during their first year of life appear to have a lower risk of suffering from allergies and wheezing including asthma, than children who were in too clean environments.
A good enough reason for you to put down the vacuum cleaner, bring the dog back in and put your feet up and rest. This time also allows you to create the most magical bond with your baby. This bonding experience through skin-to-skin contact helps keep stress hormones lower for both you and your baby. This helps with sleep, reducing the risk of colic and also exposes your baby to your microbes which continue to build their immunity.
The magic of touch can be extended to you too. A favourite acupressure technique for mums to help renew their energy is to simply hold and gently massage the points on either side of the breastbone just below the collar bone. Place your thumb and index finger of your right hand on these points and place your left hand on your navel. Gently massage whilst you breath deeply and slowly for about a minute. Then change hands.
So now that you know why it is important to take time for yourself and you have research as to why you shouldn’t feel guilty about letting the house work go a little, visit barefootparenting and access our video series about other baby and mum topics that can help you bond and nurture yourself and your baby naturally.
Until next time, happy parenting.
Suzy McCleary is a Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Registered Acupuncturist GAPS practitioner, Functional Nutritional Consultant, Former Paediatric Nurse and a mum to two beautiful children.
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The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide health care, medical or nutrition therapy services; or diagnose, treat or cure any disease, condition or other physical or mental ailment of the human body. If you should experience any such issues you should see your healthcare provider as determined by your own judgment.
