Maternal care has a beneficial effect on the development of the child’s brain

The results of a new scientific study showed that when a mother takes care of her child, his mental abilities improve.

Scientists proved that the presence of the mother has a positive effect on the neurons in the child’s brain.
The researchers conducted experiments with laboratory rodents. They analyzed about 100 hours of observations of newborn rats and their mothers.

Computed tomography of the rodents’ brains showed that newborn rats that were cared for by their mothers grew new nerve cells faster and these animals had better communication skills. But when the mother was not around, the newborns’ brains showed more chaotic activity.

One of the authors of the study, Professor Regina Sullivan, notes that research shows how maternal sensory stimulation in mammals contributes to the formation of the baby’s brain.

Thanks to the study the role of upbringing can be determined in the faster and correct development of the brain and for a better understanding of what it is to be a good mother.

The research also helps explain differences in the ways in which children are raised by their mothers.

Professor Sullivan’s previous research has established a link between maternal care and gene activity in the brains of young animals.

Now scientists hope to be able to develop methods for diagnosis and treatment of people with impaired brain function or delayed brain development in early childhood.

Canadian scientists conducted a study, during which they also studied the relationship between mother and baby. 30 mothers with newborn babies took part in it.

Mothers in the first group had to stop communicating with their children from time to time for a few minutes, during which time they had to simply observe the child without touching it and without expressing emotions.

In the second group, the women interacted with their newborns as usual. All the children had their stress hormone levels measured several times a day.

It was found that in children with whom mothers temporarily stopped communication, the level of this hormone rose sharply, while in the second group it did not change.