Communication between mother and infant (fetus or newborn)

Abstract

International audienceWe measured changes in Heart Rate Variability (H.R.V.) while mother either talked about her baby to an adult (1) or communicated directly with the baby either vocally (2) or silently (3) (n=180 fetus, n=140 neonates).We previously showed that the % of fetus reacting to silent communication (3) was equal to those reacting to a vocal emission: 38% and 37% respectively while (1) elicited only 29% of responses.Babies reacted globally less than fetuses, but with the same proportion of responses: 27% for (2), 34% for (3) and 21% for (1). Here, to compare the 3 tests, H.R.V. was averaged every 30 sec. for 5 min. before, during and after each stimulus on 100 fetuses and 70 newborns. No significant effects were observed when computing all subjects, for some entered the pre-experimental phase in an agitated state (state 3 or 4) with a high H.R.V., while others were calm with a low H.R.V. (state 1 or 2). The latter increased its variability during stimulation while the high H.R.V. group decreased it.When analyzed separately, both groups became significant in all of the series. Babies, as a group, are less significant than fetuses, but also react to all three experimental conditions, including silent communication. This last unexpected result will be discussed for mothers who stated that they made extensive use of this mode of communication with their baby