In this article “The Human Brains Need for a Social Womb” J. Ronald Lally tells us why the young brain needs a protected and nurtured experience equivalent to the protection a fetus receives in the womb.
Because of the lasting impact of early brain structuring, Lally argues that whether a baby is cared for at home or in child care, the conditions under which the infant’s brain develops must be taken seriously. Lally says “child development research points to the need for a social womb that provides the infant with the opportunity to 1) develop secure bonds with people who care for them, 2) to engage in protected and encouraged social, intellectual and communicative exploration, and 3) build a positive self-identity and sense of self.”
In his summary of policy recommendations to support a social womb, Lally describes the importance and goals of: paid leave, well baby care and high quality infant care.
Download the full article in pdf format: The Human Brains Need for a Social WombFINALApril2014.
You can also find more information on the “Social Womb” concept in J. Ronald Lally’s latest book, For Our Babies: Ending the Invisible Neglect of America’s Infants.
Babies and mothers need to be together . The emphasis on away from mother care whilst when really needed, should be of the highest quality but I think we should be supporting mothers to be the primary carer for their children . No woman should need to abandon her baby to strangers because of lack of $. This is how women learn how to care for their young. The daily care forms the relationship. Just changing diapers is an intimate act and it is the mother doing that lovingly that gives the child self respect and self acceptance. We are developing a culture where less and less people know hoe to care for their youngsters 24/7 and I think that this is dangerous. The cult of the expert id taking over normal human behaviour.