BRAIN, PREGNANCY, NEWBORN

PRENATAL BRAIN DEVELOPMENT

• Maternal nutrition
• Maternal emotional responses
• Exposure to toxins
• Experiences before and after birth

BRAIN FACTS

• Brain cells-- neurons
• 100 billion at birth
• Twice the number as adults.
• Within 1 year--brain is 70% of adult size
• 3 year old-- 90% of adult size ~~~~This is due to synapses-- the work of axons, dendrites and neurotransmitters
• Synapses or connections between neurons are formed with positive or negative experiences
• Consistent, predictable, loving interactions build strong and permanent synaptic connections
• Pruning

Positive
Tolerable
Toxic

Toxic stress
High levels of cortisol
Fight or flight, limited relief
Brain stem decisions, limited cortex decisions

MOM AS THE ENVIRONMENT

• Nutrition
• Toxins
• Hormones-- calm or stress
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Domestic violence

Dependent,
Active learner

NEWBORNS NEED...

• Touch, skin to skin, kangaroo care, hugs, cuddles, limited "containers"
• Help with regulation- responding to cues
• Interaction when awake-- positive experiences