Skin-to-skin contact during the 6 hours after birth has an enormous impact on the bond between Baby, Mom and Dad. Childbirth educator Cozette Laubser from BabyGym® describes how this affects a baby’s brain and those of its parents, and the role played by the triune brain, oxytocin, dopamine and cortisol. She offers practical guidelines for babies born prematurely or by Caesarean section - and supporting bonding once Baby goes home.

If you are new to podcasts, simply click on the arrow to listen to Cozette and Mariette, or on the download button to download the conversation onto your device. Tip: Use earphones to listen in private.

In ep. 132 of the weekly podcast series Calm, Clear and Helpful, BabyGym Institute International programme director, childbirth educator, and birth doula Cozette Laubser touches on

• how BabyGym® - specialising in brain and body development - can benefit moms and their babies

• the BabyGym 1: Newborn Brain Essentials workshop, celebrating the small things which can make a huge difference in the 6 hours following birth

• bonding: a baby’s sense of safety, but also much more

• the role stress hormones play in a baby’s transition from womb to world, and why stress hormones should dissolve after birth

• the triune brain and its involvement in physical, emotional and cognitive development

• sensitive time frames for the optimal development of the survival brain, the limbic system and the neocortex

• the only time in a human’s life when it is age appropriate to be selfish(!)

• the emotional-social connection that develops in the newborn brain right after birth

• what happens when Baby is placed on Mom’s bare chest after birth

• the 3 time frames for wiring the brains of Mom, Dad and Baby for a lifetime of connection

• the oxytocin and dopamine connection creating the “comfort brain” in both Mom and Baby

• what it means when a newborn seeks eye contact

• the role cortisol plays in the hours following birth – potentially leading to very different outcomes

• simple practices, like wearing your baby on your body or giving them a massage, that are helpful when Baby has been separated from Mom

• what optimally happens in a mom’s brain in the 18 hours after birth

• how skin-to-skin contact affects Dad’s brain

• advice regarding babies born by Caesarian section

• World Health Organisation guidelines for babies born prematurely

• Cozette’s 3 tips on how parents can support bonding when they take their baby home.

In this episode, Cozette discusses the work of Dr. Nils Bergman, a Swedish specialist who promotes skin-to-skin contact between a mother and newborn. She also mentions the fusiform gyrus in the brain.

For more about Cozette, including her contact details and those of Lelani Brand-Labuschagne, just scroll down.

Also listen to Cozette’s explanation of how nurturing your baby “upgrades” your brain - even if you’re not the birth mom, you and the little one benefit!

Listen to Cozette discussing crucial questions related to parenting, pregnancy and birth - including when you’re ready to become a parent.

Newborn Brain Essentials by Cozette Laubser - also available in Afrikaans - has been launched! You can find it here.

Lees Cozette se insigte in die artikel “Natuurlike geboorte: wanneer is dit die beste keuse?”

OF/OR

Read Cozette’s insights embodied in the article “Birth pain – from fearful to powerful”.

Read what Cozette has to say about road trips, what stole her heart, and getting dirty.

To listen to Cozette’s Sensible Birth Online Talk - “The birthing mother and baby, a flawless design” - free of charge, go to https://sensiblebirth.co.za/product/intro/?v=68caa8201064 and follow the instructions. 

  Image supplied by BabyGym®

About Cozette and contact details

Cozette Laubser is the Programme Director of BabyGym Institute International, Advanced BabyGym Instructor, Birth Doula and Childbirth Educator from Johannesburg.

Email address: cozette@sensiblebirth.co.za

Websites:

www.babygym.co.za

www.sensiblebirth.co.za (look out for the documentary called Microbirth, on the connection between birth culture and gut health)

www.theartofcocreating.co.za

Facebook:

Babygym Institute International

Sensible Birth

Instagram: babygyminstitute_international

Lelani Brand-Labuschagne:

Tel. 082 301 5860

institute@babygym.co.za and www.babygym.co.za

Music by Mart-Marie Snyman

Thumbnail image supplied by BabyGym®

Collage of Cozette Laubser: supplied