Motherhood Thru the Years:
Health Story

Aired on Lifetime Television
Sunday, January 7 and February 18
Show 401

A baby is born every eight seconds. On October 17, 2006, the 300 millionth baby was born. The last major milestone—200 million Americans—occurred in the 1960s. Since then, twice as many Moms work outside of the home. Three times as many work full time, and three times as many are college graduates. Twice as many Dads are involved in the daily care taking of their children. Motherhood has changed, but touch is still the first way parents communicate with their children. Through touch, babies learn the joys of loving and being loved. Self-esteem is developed in the first year of life. A natural extension of touch is massage which studies have shown can help babies gain weight gain and increase their alertness. Bonding through touch is essential to a baby's emotional and cognitive growth.