Around GMA

Article Inside Page

The coronavirus pandemic has drastically changed the way we interact with others.

Suddenly, hugs and handshakes are replaced by elbow bumps, intimate get-togethers are reduced to video calls, and night outs have turned into the so-called “e-numan” sessions.

But for mothers, especially those with newborns, COVID-19 made them wary, even fearful, of being too affectionate with their babies out of fear that they might get the virus.

“As we practice social distancing to prevent the community spread of COVID-19, touching our babies becomes limited or in some cases eliminated, a condition that could be called 'touch starvation' or 'touch deprivation,'” Dr. Joey Salazar, section head of neonatology at UERM Memorial Medical Center, told GMA Lifestyle.

“The skin is the largest organ in the body covering us from head to toe. When a baby is touched or hugged, receptors on the baby's skin sends signals to the brain that releases oxytocin - referred to as the 'cuddle' hormone - that leads to a feel-good sensation of trust for the baby that enhances emotional bonding and social interaction.”

Touch, according to Dr. Salazar, allows mothers to develop meaningful physical contact that helps them get to know their babies.

Scary times

As a mom herself, actress Kylie Padilla knows the importance of touch in strengthening mother-baby relationship. She knows too how the pandemic changed all that.

Kylie has two kids, Alas and Axl, with actor and husband Aljur Abrenica.

“When the pandemic hit, I had just given birth [to Axl] and was still recovering. I cannot describe how scary it was,” recalled Kylie, who appeared on past Kapuso shows such as Encantandia, The Cure, and TODA One I Love, among others.

Photo by: Kylie Padilla

“Before the pandemic I was already super conscious about my babies being touched. We always carried alcohol in their baby bags. But my fears were amplified even more.

“To have an enemy that you cannot see and that can be anywhere and you would never know really messes with us mentally.”

Kylie, like every parent, had no choice but to adjust to the situation while trying to maintain a sense of normalcy at home for the sake of her children.

“After COVID-19 became our reality, I made it a point that everyone in our house would follow safety protocols. Before touching the kids we would all wash our hands and apply alcohol,” shared Kylie.

“If we left the house we would all take showers and change clothes. If I knew that I was safe and I didn't leave our house I would not be afraid to touch my kids, but anytime that I knew it would be risky I [do] not touch them.

“I could not last long without touching my kids. I would do all the precautionary measures just to be able to hold my kids.”

Magic touch

Dr. Salazar advised parents to follow health and safety protocols first before touching their babies. Doing this eliminates chances of moms and dads transmitting the virus to their kids.

“It is important to adhere to the guidelines of infection prevention and control, by washing our hands constantly, wearing a mask and face shield,” he said.

“Mothers' skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding help a baby thrive. The practice of hand washing before and after touching the baby is very important, so is to keep all surfaces and the environment clean. If you must, wear a mask during any contact with the baby.”

Parents should also take good care of themselves by eating healthy, getting adequate sleep, and seeking professional help if needed to safeguard mental health.

To sum it up, parents can practice care and caution in today's time without sacrificing much-needed tender moments with their babies.

“A nurturing touch or massage therapy enhances infant and caregiver bonding. It leads to a more positive interaction between the parents and their babies. Touch and multimodal stimulation benefit babies and parents,” stressed Dr. Salazar.

Certain products in the market can help make mother-baby bonding more enjoyable. Johnson & Johnson, for example, has its Cottontouch line featuring products that are light and gentle on baby's skin.

“As much as possible I did not want my kids to feel a difference through the pandemic. It was so hard on all of us grown-ups and I did not want them to suffer the same,” mused Kylie.

“There was an adjustment like they were unable to go for walks outside or play outside which they did every day before the pandemic but inside the house, nothing much has changed.

Photo by: kylienicolepadilla (IG)

"We got even more affectionate with them to make sure they felt safe and secure through such a hard time.”

She added, “Don't be scared to touch your babies. Practice healthy hygiene habits like washing hands and taking a shower if needed before touching your babies.

“Touching them will do more good than evil. Your babies need your touch and presence in their lives now more than ever.

“Your touch will make them feel protected, and this is essential especially in times like these. I'm sure it's also something your mother's instincts are telling you to do.”

For more lifestyle content, head out to GMA's Lifestyle page.

Check out Kylie's tender moments with her youngest son, Axl Romeo, in this gallery: