The bond between a mother and her child is one of the most powerful connections in human existence. It’s a bond that starts in the womb and continues to develop through the early years of a child’s life. Breast milk and umbilical cord jewellery are two ways that mothers can enhance that bond. But what’s the science behind the connection between mother and child? Let’s explore.
Overview
Breast milk jewelry is made by taking a small amount of a mother’s milk and preserving it in resin, creating a beautiful and sentimental keepsake. Umbilical cord jewelry involves preserving a small piece of the cord in resin or creating a charm out of it. Both types of jewelry are meaningful ways to honor the connection between mother and child.
The milk, which is made specifically for the baby, represents the nourishment and comfort that only a mother can provide. By preserving this milk in a piece of jewelry, a mother can keep a physical reminder of the closeness she shares with her child.
Umbilical cord jewelry is another way to celebrate the connection between mother and child. The umbilical cord is the lifeline that connects the baby to the mother during pregnancy. By preserving a piece of the cord, a mother can hold onto a symbol of the intimate connection that existed between her and her child before birth. Moreover, both breast milk and umbilical cord jewellery are sentimental keepsakes that serve as a reminder of the love and connection that only a mother can provide.
Breastfeeding and Bonding
When a mother breastfeeds, her body releases the hormones oxytocin and prolactin. These hormones play a crucial role in bonding by promoting feelings of calmness, relaxation, and affection. Oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone,” is often referred to as the “bonding hormone” because it promotes feelings of love and attachment.
Prolactin, on the other hand, stimulates milk production and contributes to the sense of satisfaction and contentment that breastfeeding can bring.
There’s a lot of scientific evidence that supports the positive impact of breastfeeding on bonding. A study published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics found that mothers who breastfeed their infants had higher levels of maternal sensitivity, a key factor in mother-child bonding.
Another study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that the duration of breastfeeding was positively associated with maternal attachment and affection.
Umbilical Cord Jewelry and Bonding
Breast milk and umbilical cord jewellery is a unique and beautiful way to represent the physical connection between mother and child. Many cultures around the world have used breast milk and umbilical cord jewellery as a symbol of the bond between mother and child for centuries. The cord is often preserved and made into a pendant or other piece of jewelry that can be worn by the mother.
There’s scientific evidence to support the positive impact of wearing breast milk and umbilical cord jewellery on bonding, too. Research published in the Journal of Perinatal Education found that mothers who wore umbilical mother’s milk jewellery felt more connected to their infants and reported a greater sense of emotional attachment.
The Science of Attachment
The bond between mother and child is a fundamental aspect of human development. According to attachment theory, a secure attachment bond between a child and his or her primary caregiver is essential for healthy emotional and social development. There are four different attachment styles: Secure, avoidant, ambivalent, and disorganized.
A secure attachment style is characterized by feelings of safety and trust, while the other three styles are associated with feelings of anxiety, fear, and insecurity.
Breast milk and umbilical cord jewellery can play a significant role in the development of a secure attachment style. A study published in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology found that breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact during the first hour after birth were associated with a greater likelihood of developing a secure attachment style.
Umbilical cord jewelry can also contribute to a secure attachment by providing a tangible symbol of the bond between mother and child.
Placenta & Umbilical Cord
Breast milk jewelry is a unique keepsake that is made by incorporating a mother’s breast milk into the design. However, in recent years, some mothers have chosen to incorporate placenta or umbilical cord into the jewelry-making process as well.
The process of making breast milk jewelry from placenta and umbilical cord starts by dehydrating and sterilizing them. The placenta and umbilical cord are then ground into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or a grinder. The resulting powder is then mixed with a special resin that will be used to create the jewelry.
To create the breast milk jewelry, a small amount of the mother’s breast milk is added to the resin and mixed thoroughly. The mixture is then poured into a mold, which can be any shape or size desired by the mother. The mold is then left to cure for several hours, after which the breast milk jewelry is carefully removed and polished to a smooth finish.
The resulting breast milk jewelry is a unique keepsake that can be treasured for years to come. It is important to note that the process of making breast milk jewelry from placenta and umbilical cord should only be done by a professional jeweler who has experience in this process. Additionally, it is important to properly store the breast milk and umbilical cord jewellery to ensure that it remains in good condition over time.
Practical Application
Breast milk and umbilical cord jewellery are just two of the many ways that mothers can enhance the bond with their child. Here are some practical tips for using these methods to strengthen the connection between you and your child:
- Breastfeed as often as possible, especially during the first few weeks after birth.
- Create or purchase a piece of umbilical cord jewelry to wear as a symbol of the bond between you and your child.
- Practice skin-to-skin contact as often as possible, especially in the early days after birth.
- Use breast milk jewelry as a tangible reminder of the bond you share with your child.
FAQ
Is Breast Milk Jewelry Safe to Wear?
Yes, mothers milk jewellery is safe to wear. The breast milk is preserved and sealed to prevent spoilage, and the jewelry is typically made with hypoallergenic materials that are safe for sensitive skin.
How Long Can Breast Milk Be Preserved for Jewelry Making?
Breast milk can be preserved for jewelry making for an indefinite period of time as long as it is properly stored. It’s important to keep the breast milk in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent spoilage. These are a few steps to preserve & make mother’s milk jewelry.
Conclusion
Thus, the bond between a mother and her child is a powerful and fundamental aspect of human development. Breast milk and umbilical cord jewellery are two ways to enhance that bond, and there is scientific evidence to support their positive impact on mother-child attachment. By understanding the science behind these methods, we can appreciate their significance and use them to strengthen the connection between mother and child.
Read also Custom breast milk jewellery.