Nature and Nurture

Myth: It's all in the genes ... nature sets the scene for your baby's life.

Fact: Nurture has a huge impact on health and wellbeing. Our experience in early relationships affects the way our brains develop, our personalities, and even our gene expression, through life.

Since the spotlight of science has been focused on genes, popular belief has been that genes determine how we develop, like a blueprint or code that will inevitably unfold.

New discoveries, however, reveal that this is a misunderstanding: not all genes will inevitably become active. The environment plays a key role in genetic expression. The science of epigenetics reveals that many of our genes are triggered to express themselves (or prevented from doing so) by environmental factors, such as diet and stress.

This information is crucial for us today – knowing that the environment we offer our babies in pregnancy has lasting consequences is like a wake up call: we can make a difference, and we can improve health through the choices and actions we make now.

Your baby’s needs and environment - where nuturing really counts

At Babiesknow we believe that every person has fundamental needs that support health and happiness: Love me, hold me, feed me, hear me, see me.

One of the main aims of Babiesknow is to support parents to be able to meet their babies’ needs throughout pregnancy. The benefits for babies are enormous

Your baby’s environment in the womb is intimately linked with his or her needs being met. What is in that environment?

• Amniotic fluid - under yours and your baby's influence
• Placenta - affected by you and by your baby
• Your blood chemistry – including hormones, oxygen, nutrients, vitamins, minerals, etc.
• Sound – your and your baby’s hearts, blood flow, your voice, other voices, song, music, etc.
• Movement – how you move around, e.g. walking, jolting, rhythmic, dancing, being still
• Temperature – related to your body temperature
• Toxins – depending on your exposure; for instance, nicotine, lead, excessive sugar, amphetamines, alcohol, high levels of stress, depression, etc.
• Mum’s emotions – which influence your baby’s moods and brain development (more)

What happens in the environment of your womb, and your baby’s experience of this, affects your baby physically, emotionally and socially. We’re here to help you provide an optimal environment, and a loving and respectful start for your baby, whether you’re feeling blissfully happy, or struggling in the face of challenges.