Baby's first smiles give mom's brain a buzz

By JoNel Aleccia
Health writer


Any mother who's ever felt a jolt of joy at her baby’s first grin knows how intoxicating that can be.

Now, scientists at the Baylor College of Medicine say there’s more to the baby buzz than just a rush of happy feelings. Turns out that seeing your own child smile actually activates the pleasure receptors in the brain typically associated with food, sex — and drug addiction.

“It may be that seeing your own baby’s face is like a ‘natural high,’ said Lane Strathearn, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Baylor and and Texas Children's Hospital who studied the brain reactions of 28 first-time moms.

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Medicaid Newborn Baby Home Visits

After you and your baby leave the hospital, many changes take place. The Newborn Home Visit is important because the nurse will make sure that you and your baby are doing well and getting the services that you need.

Someone from your local health department will call you to schedule a time for the nurse to visit with you in your home.

What will the Nurse Do:

• See how you and your newborn or child are doing
• Assess any of your needs or concerns
• Assist you with finding a primary care provider, or other resources
• Provide you with support and guidance
• Refer you to other community resources as needed (your doctor, WIC, Family Support Services and others)

To help you care for your baby, the nurse will talk to you about:

• Well child care
• Immunizations
• Safety for the car, crib, home and other places
• Infant sleep patterns/SIDS
• Shaken baby syndrome
• Second-hand smoke and other substances
• Brain development

Source: www.centralutahpublichealth.com