Bonding with your New Baby
Making the most out of the time you have with your newborn.
Life as a new mom is an adventure. As you get to know your new baby and learn what motherhood is really about don't forget to enjoy the small moments.
Bringing home a new baby is one of the most magical times in a mother’s life and yet it seems to disappear so quickly. It is easy to be distracted with entertaining guests, recovering from childbirth, and absorbing all of the adorable baby paraphernalia that comes with the territory. Those first few months will go by in a blur and it is important to enjoy the time before it slips away from you.
Be careful not to let the desires of other people, no matter how well intentioned, interfere with the special early bonding time you have with your baby. Take advantage of help that is offered without guilt. Let friends and relatives help with the housework and cooking while you recover and spend the time getting to know your precious little baby.
Newborns can interact with their parents in surprising ways. They notice everything that is going on around them. Studies have proven that very young babies are learning and aware of the things that are going on around them even in sleep. Even very young newborns have the ability to copy things that they see. Babies that are only a few days old have the ability to stick out their own tongues in response to seeing you stick yours out at them.
While some mothers instantly fall in love with their babies, others may find that the process of falling in love takes more time. There may be a period of adjustment while you adapt to your new life and your new member of your family. Difficult deliveries may make zap your energy and leave you too tired to immediately bond with your baby. Do not worry if you don’t feel the sudden and intense love at first sight that you have heard described. People love differently and have different delivery experiences. You and your baby can enjoy the time that it takes to get to know each other and revel in each moment. The simple acts of daily care that a mother performs for her baby create a love that cannot be equaled and will draw them together. Looking deeply into your baby's eyes and holding your baby close will strengthen the bond that began before birth.
Relish the quiet moments you have with your baby deep into the night. They will not stay for long. Your peaceful, perfect baby will change daily and a strong bond between the two of you will form a wonderful foundation to face life's challenges into toddlerhood and beyond.
