The Stress Response
Name one way your body physically responds to stress.
Sweat, heart beating fast, tight muscles, breathing fast, low energy, tight chest, trembling, stomach cramps, insomnia
Name one way you like to relax when you're feeling stressed.
If it helps you relax, you've got it right!
What is one way your baby likes to be soothed?
If your baby likes it, you get the points!
Ideas: swaddling, hugs, calming sounds, being walked around, etc.
What is Fight or Flight? (OR Fight, flight, or freeze)
How your body responds to emergencies (or stress) with an increase in hormones (adrenaline and cortisol): it prepares to fight (attack), flight (escape/run), or freeze (stop moving)
What is a coping strategy?
Specific activities or skills people use to tolerate, reduce, or minimize stressful events. Examples: breathing exercises, taking a break, doing an activity you enjoy, eating a favorite food, etc.
TRUE OR FALSE: Babies feel and respond to their parents stress.
TRUE!
Your baby is reading your feelings and responding to them all the time.
What is chronic stress?
Ongoing, long-term, stress. It does not allow the body’s stress hormones to return to normal levels. This can lead to health problems.
Give examples of activity-based coping strategies. (Things you do)
Taking a walk, talking to a friend, taking a shower, taking a nap, meditating, taking a break, etc.
What are signs that your baby is feeling stress?
Name one way that stress can affect your emotions and/or thoughts.
anger, restlessness, nightmares, sensitivity, numbness, poor concentration, insecurity, hopelessness, defensiveness, racing thoughts, lack of motivation, forgetfulness, guilt, agitation, sadness
TRUE OR FALSE: Coping strategies can help you self-soothe (comfort yourself) and take your mind of things.
Self-soothing strategies help you comfort yourself during emotional distress. Distraction strategies help take your mind off the stressor for a period of time.
What are common causes of stress for babies?
What are negative health impacts of chronic stress?
Weakened immune system (get sick more often), sleep problems, muscle tension/pain, anxiety/depression, increased risk for chronic health problems like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes
TRUE OR FALSE: There is "good stress" and "bad stress."
TRUE
It's a type of stress we feel when we are excited. Our pulse quickens and our hormones surge, but there is no threat or fear. We feel this type of stress when we ride a roller coaster, compete for a promotion, or go on a first date.
TRUE or False: The relationship between the caregiver and baby can counteract stress for the baby.
TRUE!
A positive and emotionally safe relationship between mother and baby can counteract negative stress. (ways to do this are to offer physical affection, pay attention to your babies signals, and co-regulate (share your emotions).