In mother's womb, the baby has every need met. In the vulnerable time after birth, the newborn needs reassurance this warmth and security will continue.

Touch is a baby's first language. Meeting the baby's urgent need for contact not only eases the upheaval from womb to world, it also arouses the maternal instincts.

Children learn to love by being loved. Parents who kiss, cuddle and massage find peaceful friendship easier with their children in the future. Such emotional support gives babies confidence, helps them relate, and positively influences their physical development.

Caution! Hold baby close so the head is not twisted.

The most natural way to stay close is to breastfeed. Not only is nursing emotionally gratifying for mother and baby, breast milk contains all the protein, vitamins and antibodies for healthy development. How long you continue ­ usually from 6 months up to 4 years ­ is your choice.

The let-down reflex

1. During pregnancy, mammary glands enlarge, releasing milk into ducts. These open into small reservoirs behind the nipple.

2. Pressure of baby's tongue and gum draws out milk and triggers the pituitary to release more milk into ducts.

Sit cross legged, with your back straight. Lay your baby sideways on your lap and hold him or her to your breast. Or if you prefer, sit on a chair, resting one foot on a stool to prevent back strain. You may need a pillow to raise your baby to breast height.

It may be easier to feed twins together rather than to double the number of feeds. Put two large cushions on your lap and lay both babies on top, facing you. Tuck one twin under each arm and cradle a head in each hand. If only one twin is crying, feed that one first, then wake and feed the other.

If your stomach is sore after stitches, lie down on one side, propped up on a pillow and lay your baby down beside you with his or her feet next to your pillow, well away from your stomach. This is also a good position for feeding at night.

During the first four to six months the ideal diet for an infant is mothers milk. Many of the earliest habits of a nursing mother are instilled during breastfeeding. If the mother remains calm during breastfeeding and eats wholesome foods the child receives nourishing milk and a sense of harmony from the mother.

The first solid foods could well determine habits that last a lifetime. Avoid baby foods containing sugar and salt and try to resist the temptation to salt or sweeten your babys food that you prepare yourself.

Many babies begin taking some ‘solid’ foods between the ages of four to six months. Pureed fruits and vegetables can be given as milk consumption may naturally and gradually decrease to 50% of the infants diet by the age of twelve months.

From four to six months the most easily digested foods in addition to milk are fruits and vegetables which are best cooked/steamed and then pureed, including;

Apples, pears and avocados.Try to avoid overusing citrus fruits, but try to include papaya which is excellent for digestion.

Carrots, parsnips, pumpkin also cooked/steamed and pureed with a little added water.

Awake, they suckle, swallow and hiccup, and respond to touch, sounds and smells. Eyes start to focus clearly in the first month. Conscious movement develops soon after, as limbs stretch and joints open, muscles strengthen, and the spine straightens.

At first, babies lie on their backs, sides or tummies. Until baby can control the head, it needs support during lifting or carrying.

Strengthens back and shoulders. Rolling over requires help until baby is 6 months old.

Helps digestion, stretches and relaxes abdomen, encourages head lifting, and feels secure.

Spontaneous stretching gradually gets more vigorous and controlled. By 3 months, babies kick with alternate legs and clasp hands over their chests.

By 3 months, babies can lean on hands, raising shoulders and outstretching legs. They may arch backs and raise feet, too.

BABY MASSAGE ­ A relaxing routine for mother and baby

Parents instinctively stroke their babies, and enjoy extending this into a more complete massage. Ensure baby's cooperation by warming your hands, and using only natural oils on your baby's sensitive skin.

Try to massage your baby between feeds when he/she is neither hungry nor full. During the first eight weeks rather than a formal massage routine, use lots of stroking with your baby either naked or dressed. (Also encourage dad to do the same.)

Soothes babies and helps coordinate muscles. Some postures also encourage head-lifting, thus strengthening neck and shoulder.

Opens chest, stretches tummy muscles, and helps breathing and digestion. Improves lower body flexibility.