The latest research in neuroscience and parenting comes to the forefront in this groundbreaking book, which highlights new findings about the power of care for the mental and physical health of our children. Greer Kirshenbaum, PhD, is a neuroscientist, doula, and parent. Her work began with the aim of developing new treatments for poor mental health. Along the way, she realized that science had already discovered a powerful "medicine" for alleviating mental challenges, but the answer was not a pill. It was a preventive approach: when babies receive care in the first trimester of their lives, they build strong and resilient brains — brains that are less vulnerable to poor mental health.

How can parents better prepare their children for success? In this revealing book, Kirshenbaum makes it clear that care is a preventive medicine against mental problems. She challenges the idea that the way to cultivate independence is to let babies cry or sleep on their own. Instead, the way to raise a confident, independent child is to trust your instincts as a parent. Hold your baby as much as you want. Check on them when they cry, sleep with them, maintain physical contact — and this is supported by science, showing that caring experiences transform lives and improve mental and physical health, as well as life outcomes. Care is a gift of resilience and health that parents can offer to the next generation simply by following their instincts to care for their young.

Pages: 336, Year of Publication: 1010, Dimensions: 15.6x15.6cm