Are you trying to determine ways to bond closer with your baby? Although you will have a natural bond, you can do a number of things to help – before and after birth. Having a close relationship with your child is truly the most beautiful experience imaginable. Sometimes, various aspects of bonding come easy and sometimes, they need to be worked on but regardless, the outcome is something wonderful.
Now, if you find that bonding does not come quickly or easily, there could be a number of reasons why. For starters, from a parent’s viewpoint, the actual birth and even baby may not appear as expected. In other words, most new parents think they have a good idea of how the birth will go and what the baby will look like so if things are not as expected it could cause a little delay in bonding. Keep in mind that in time, usually a day or two, things will settle down and the bonding will begin.
Another possible reason for not bonding immediately with a baby relates to hormones. Once the baby has been born, the body is going through massive changes from a hormonal standpoint. In fact, remember that the baby is also going through hormonal changes. You get a mother and a child both dealing with much the same issue, and bonding might be delayed. For instance, if you were to struggle with any level of postpartum depression, it would be difficult to keep your focus on the baby. Do not beat yourself up for this – many mothers go through this so you are certainly not alone.
Then, you need to consider the baby and his or her condition after being born. Obviously, if the baby is sick or has to spend any time away from mom and dad in ICU, then the opportunity for quality bonding is not there. Of course, the hospital will want you to spend time with the baby, even if only talking or singing to him or her. Just remember – this situation is only temporary. Therefore, be patient, touch the baby, talk lovingly to the baby, and in time, the bonding will happen.
Typically, your baby will bond through touch and through smell. For this reason, holding your baby, rocking, cuddling, and singing or talking to him/her will help with bonding. Be sure you bring your face close to the baby’s face, allowing him/her to see and smell your scent. Things such as a soft kiss to the head, stroking of the hair, rubbing the arms or legs, and so on, are all excellent ways for you to bond with the baby and the baby to bond with you.