Preparation for birth and beyond: caring for our baby

Abstract

A baby's earliest relationships with the mother and father are critical in terms of the way in which their highly plastic brain develops. It is through 'mutual gaze'-that is looking at the parents'faces - that s/he learns about the range of emotions which humans experience. As a result of being talked to, touched and responded to when distressed, s/he develops social skills and emotional intelligence. Preparation for birth and beyond looks at how parents can interact with their babies both through physical care and through talking and playing.