New mothers’ understanding and response to their baby’s evolved needs and expectations are crucial to their development and well-being. Although mothers are biologically programmed to respond sensitively to their babies, midwives and other birth-related professionals are in a unique position to provide an enabling environment for this to take place. If the stress hormone cortisol is transmitted to the placenta, altering brain development at a high level, positive life-enhancing emotions and communications, flooded with feel-good hormones such as endorphins and oxytocin, foster optimal development. Awareness of the effects on a mother’s emotions and mental state, pregnancy and birth outcome should be encouraged by appropriate training. The spirit of openness, general respect and collaboration manifested by the Himba must have been the result of a social coherence that influenced each member of the community. Deep listening is vital as it encourages self-confidence and emotional resonance, which facilitates parents’ synchronic responsiveness with their baby, appreciation and enjoyment of the whole experience.