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Within a month of my arrival to Columbia University Irving Medical Center in 2018, I was introduced to Dr. Martha G. Welch, founding director of the Nurture Science Program (NSP). We had an immediate meeting of the minds – and an instant emotional connection, realizing we shared a common goal: to bring emotional connection into the lives…
After leading the Nurture Science Program with vision, dedication and passion for 14 years, Dr. Martha Welch, MD, DFAPA, is stepping aside as Director. Dr. Welch, co-founded the program in 2008. She will continue to contribute to the program, and will assume the title of Founding Director Emeritus. The Nurture Science Program is well positioned…
Emergent research has made it abundantly clear that our relationships shape the quality of our lives. As a result, relational health is receiving a lot of attention in the child and public health sectors. At the Nurture Science Program we look at relational health through the lens of emotional connection.
Preliminary results from the COVID-19 Mother-Baby Outcomes (COMBO) Initiative at Columbia University show that one of the most affected aspects of the mother-baby relationship has been breastfeeding.
The COVID-19 Mother-Baby Outcomes (COMBO) Initiative in collaboration with NSP has responded in real time to the growing need for information about how this pandemic is affecting vulnerable populations, and to the even greater need to support at-risk families.
Dr. Welch is a researcher, neuroscientist, and professor, and has been a thought leader and pioneer in the treatment and understanding of emotional, behavioral, and developmental health throughout her clinical and academic career.
In 2020, the Nurture Science Program will reach milestones in research on Family Nurture Intervention in the NICU, Family Nurture Intervention for preschool families, and studies on the use of WECS and WECS+.
Intuitively, we recognize that emotional connection touches the heart. New research findings bring together Polyvagal Theory and the Calming Cycle Theory to better explain how our bodies are affected by our experiences and our relationships.
It’s no secret that Dr. Martha Welch is passionate about the power of emotional connection to improve our lifelong health and development – socially, emotionally, mentally, and physically. She was pleased to meet with a group of individuals from across the country who live out connection every day when they came together in Washington, DC for #WeaveThePeople.
Exciting work is happening at the Nurture Science Program. This year, the NSP will focus on the Welch Emotional Connection Screen (WECS), supporting NICU families, and developing tools to support preschool families.