Bonding with your unborn baby

Bonding is a mutual closeness and attachment between parents and their newborn baby.  It’s sometimes described as an unconditional love or an instant desire to protect. 

Babies usually bond with their parents in the minutes, hours, or days following birth, but for some parents it may take longer.

Why it’s important:

Bonding with your newborn is a vital part of development and helps them grow mentally and physically.   When a baby feels love, nurture, closeness and security, their brain releases hormone prompting it to grow.   When the brain grows, baby starts to develop things like memory and thoughts.

How does it happen?

Bonding can begin to happen well before baby is born.  Perhaps it’s when you feel them kicks for the first little, or when you see them on the ultrasound screen. 

Bonding happens in many different ways.   

It could be skin-to-skin contact, rocking and cuddling, smiling and interacting, or simply caring for baby, through feeding, bathing and massage.   

Bonding is eye contact, talking, singing and reading books.

Its never too soon to start

You can begin to bond with your baby BEFORE they are even born.  Here’s a few ideas to start:

Baby bonding tip #1: TALKING

Spend some time each day talking to your baby, reading a special book, or singing a nursery rhyme.  You may find that your baby responds to the sound of your voice, and begins kicking and nudging you as you talk.

Baby bonding tip #2: PLAYING

Play with your baby by responding to his/her movements and kicks.  Gently poke back when baby kicks and see what they do. You can also rub or pat your belly where you feel movements.

Baby bonding tip #3: CREATING

Knit a blanket or booties, make a paper mache belly cast, paint a canvas of an ultrasound picture, write an poem and illustrate it, create a month by month belly video or photo collage, keep a pregnancy journal or write a letter to your baby.

Get creative!  Baby (and you) will love looking back at these over the years.

When bonding is a struggle

You might bond with your baby the first time you see them. But it’s perfectly ok if you don’t.  Bonding is a complex, personal experience that can take several weeks or even months.

However, if you find yourself feeling resentful towards your baby, or if you start to feel detached from your baby or life in general, you may need some extra support.

Remember, YOU are the most important person in your baby’s life.  If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask your GP or Health Nurse.   

When you’re physically and mentally well, you can provide the love and care both you and your baby need. 

Written by Linda

At Hush Little Babe, boutique & gifts

@hushlittlebabe

Website:  www.hushlittlebabe.com.au

Instagram: hush_little_babe