Eases anxiety, improves mood, releases serotonin . These are some of the positive effects of a hug according to the Italian Society of Pediatrics which, on the occasion of the World Day that is celebrated today, takes stock by examining the scientific literature.

"In this phase of easing of social distancing measures related to the pandemic, it seemed important to us to remember the benefits of hugging, dedicating this day to all mothers and fathers and their children", says the president of Sip, Annamaria Staiano. " Starting from the first months of life, numerous studies have investigated the advantage of skin-to-skin contact and hugs between mother and child in the delicate hospital environment, Kangaroo mother care", adds Sara Sollai, national councilor of Sip. «This approach, analyzed for the first time since the mid-1970s, has changed the management and care of healthy and at-risk newborns (admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit, premature or with low birth weight), demonstrating a reduction in mortality and morbidity, significant effects on clinical stabilization, reduction of stress and pain during examinations or medical and nursing procedures on the newborn," continues the expert. « Physical contact - he explains - also favors the early passage and a longer duration of breastfeeding . This is accompanied by an increase in mother-child attachment and a reduction in maternal stress".

And again: « A developmental delay is often observed in children who receive inadequate sensory stimulation . For example - continues Sollai - studies conducted in institutionalized orphan children have shown impaired growth and cognitive development, a high incidence of serious infections and attachment disorders.

Even when it comes to medical visits or procedures, a hug helps reduce the pain of newborns and infants.

(Unioneonline/ss)

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