(NaturalPath) In a study out of the University of California, Irvine that was published in Translational Psychiatry, researchers found a link between fragmented baby care due to cell phone use and lack of brain development in infants. The study adds that this disruption of proper brain developmental can cause emotional disorders later in life.
Though these findings are by way of a rodents study, researchers are urging mothers who are nurturing their infants to eliminate, even seemingly harmless distractions like phone calls and texts when with their baby, due to the potential for lasting impact for their children.
The study shows that consistent rhythms and patterns of maternal care seem to be crucially important for the developing brain, which needs predictable and continuous stimuli to ensure the growth of robust neuron networks.
The researchers are urging mothers of infants to avoid distractions when with their child because erratic maternal care of infants can increase the likelihood of risky behaviors, drug seeking and depression in adolescence and adult life.
“Our work builds on many studies showing that maternal care is important for future emotional health,” a researcher said. “Importantly, it shows that it is not how much maternal care that influences adolescent behavior but the avoidance of fragmented and unpredictable care that is crucial. We might wish to turn off the mobile phone when caring for baby and be predictable and consistent.”
For more information, read the full study.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-01/uoc–ptc010516.php
Razi Berry, Founder and Publisher of Naturopathic Doctor News & Review (ndnr.com) and NaturalPath (thenatpath.com), has spent the last decade as a natural medicine advocate and marketing whiz. She has galvanized and supported the naturopathic community, bringing a higher quality of healthcare to millions of North Americans through her publications. A self-proclaimed health-food junkie and mother of two; she loves all things nature, is obsessed with organic gardening, growing fruit trees (not easy in Phoenix), laughing until she snorts, and homeschooling. She is a little bit crunchy and yes, that is her real name.