Bonding With Your Baby
Mother-to-infant bonding is a process that can start during the pregnancy period and develops more after birth. The bonding process between a mother and their child is often characterized by parental feelings and emotions towards the infant and the connection that is developed between the child. During this process most parents will maintain a positive attitude but there are some situations where some parents will experience a negative attitude and affection towards their child. These negative feelings may only occur for a short period of time and bonding might take a bit longer than originally expected.
Causes of Low Bonding with Child
- Anxiety
- Depression and/or Postpartum Depression
- Perceived Stress Levels
- Fear of Birth
- Lack of Support
- Lack of Self-Care
- Unstable Relationships
- Prenatal Expectations
What Low Bonding Can Lead to in a Child
- Depression
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Interruption on Other Bonded Relationships
- Low Self-Esteem Issues
- Affect Social and Emotional Development
- Insecure Attachment Patterns
- Behavioral Problems
- Communication Issues
- Emotional Distance
How to Bond with your Child
- Skin-to-skin contact (touch)
- Eye-to-eye contact
- Cradling the baby
- Gently rocking or stroking your child
- Breastfeeding and bottle-feeding – infant can respond to the smell and touch of their parents
- Reading or singing to the baby
- Mirroring baby’s movements
- Letting the baby feel the texture of the parent’s face
- Bathing the baby
- Mimicking the baby’s coos and other vocalizations
How Can We Help?
Book an Appointment
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