Bonding is the powerful attachment between a parent and a child. The loving and caring affection that a parent tenders to their child is indescribable. In general, bonding between a parent and a baby develops instinctively and naturally. However, there are instances where the parent has mixed feelings about his/her emotional relationship with their baby. For instance, a mother’s hormonal imbalances just after giving birth may hinder the development of attachment with her baby. In such cases, seek the help of a professional. So why is bonding important, you might ask? Well, it is very important for a variety of reasons.
You become your baby’s caregiver when your baby is born. You will start feeding, bathing, soothing, rocking and swaddling your baby, among many other things. You will also wake up at night if your baby cries. You will worry about her if she falls sick. You will smile at her and, at an age appropriate time, she will smile back at you. By doing, all of these things and beyond you are shaping your relationship with your baby and developing an amazing attachment with her. You are in fact, bonding with your child.
Babies respond to a caregiver through many ways: Touch, eye-to-eye contact, voice recognition, facial imitation… When you interact with your baby, your baby responds to the type of interaction you are using thus creating a form of attachment between you two. It is imperative that you keep up the interactions between you and your baby because such closeness promotes healthy cognitive and physical development in your baby.
Are you a dad? Are you an adoptive parent? Are you a caregiver? Are you worried about whether you can develop an attachment with your child? There is no need to worry if you allow yourself to care for your child the way you are supposed to. Bonding will develop.
Few simple things moms and dads can do to promote an attachment with their baby:
Breastfeed your baby (for moms)
Bottle-feed your baby
Read to your baby
Sing to your baby
Talk to your baby
Put your baby in a sling when you go out for a walk
Give your baby a bath
Change your baby’s diaper
Most importantly, spend quality time with your child. Nurture her as much as possible. Provide her with all the affection you can offer. Watch her grow and know that you are doing the best you can for her.
