Bonding between the new born and the parents is natural but it is not necessary that it happens as soon as the child is born. Bonding often occurs naturally almost immediately for a breastfeeding mother. Babies mostly respond to the responsiveness of their parents to their needs. They prefer human voices and will try and communicate by making endearing baby noises. Skin-to-skin contact is important. Touch, apart from your voice and smell, is what your baby responds to in the early days of life. Eye-to-eye contact provides meaningful communication at close range and your baby will try.
Many times the mother is getting over with the delivery procedure like pain from the delivery; and she may fear to touch newborn as she has was now tier overwhelming responsibility. And chances are that there is no instant bond with her baby. It is like a little alien person had landed in her world. Such experience is perfectly normal. It is been estimated that as many as 30 per cent of mothers don’t bond immediately with their babies. The reasons can vary. It can happen after a particularly difficult delivery, if the mother is still struggling to heal. The following stressful days and exhaustion of being a new mother can also swamp other emotions. Sometimes, a medical problem or premature birth might separate parents initially from newborns who need intensive care or other treat¬ments, making it more difficult to spend time together and develop a more affectionate relationship. Adoption can also be a challenge for similar reasons. Or maybe, you had a difficult relationship with your own parents. Bonding as parents with the new born is the gradual process for some parents. It can occur after days, even weeks, with a new baby. Scientists have studied the concept for decades now.
UNDERSTANDING BONDING
It is recognized as the feeling of intense attachment you develop for your baby. Bonding is considered an important element of your child’s emotional, even physical health. Children whose caregivers are most responsive to their needs develop a stronger sense of security and confidence. Sometimes, it just takes time for parents to get to know and love the new little person in your life. For babies, it’s almost instantaneous. They are ready to bond immediately at birth, in part because they have been prepared in the womb to recognize the soothing and familiar sounds of their parents.
If you do find that the bonding process isn’t immediate, just be patient. When you get involved with the baby in everyday routines of baby care like touching them, feeding, changing and helping them to sleep, you will find the attachment growing. Touch is an important tool for both of you. Babies love skin-to-skin contact. A gentle massage at bath or change time can be an added pleasure for the two of you. Eye contact is a form of non-verbal communication that means a lot to little ones. Early on, they are mesmerized by faces and often try to mimic expressions. They may also respond to your voice. Make sure that you find activities that joy and your baby might enjoy together.