A happy baby begins development of their brain, senses and their individual identity from the moment they are conceived.  A baby’s brain develops significantly at 20 weeks gestation and continues developing rapidly for many years after birth.  In the womb, a baby is susceptible to not only the sounds and sensory they are exposed to but also to the hormones, chemicals and other substances mothers put into their body; whether intentional (such as alcohol) or not (such as stress).

It’s important to remember Alcohol affects development too!  

When a baby is born, they have billions of neurons in their brain, waiting for us as parents, care givers and friends to teach them.  Neurons “talk” to each other in specific patterns that determine everything the brain does; such as how to hold a pen and how to smile.

There is a specific neuron that is most active at birth and during infancy called a mirror neuron, that specifically will learn to copy what others are doing.  One of the most important we will teach our infants is to smile and be happy.

When an infant sees a mother who is crying, mad and generally upset a lot, they will learn to mimic these faces and eventually emotions.  An infant, however that sees a lot of smiles and happiness is one more likely to smile and be happy more often.

So how does a mother ensure she is happy?  That is up to the mother.  Enjoying your baby is a great way to show your baby lots of smiles and happiness; impossible all of the time, no matter what anyone tells you.  Take time for yourself!  This may be tiny little things to start, such as have one minute to enjoy your coffee or enjoy the sun.  As time progresses they can be bigger, longer things such as my favorite, a massage.

What makes you happy is totally your choice, but taking the time to enjoy the smallest of things that make you happy will benefit yourself and your children.