Studies show that happy healthy adults tend to have had strong relationships with their mothers from a young age. Bonding with your baby isn’t only something that benefits them in the beginning stages of their lives and introduces them to the new world they find themselves in, but also sets up them up for success throughout their lives.
Bonding with your baby goes much deeper beyond an emotional level. There are all sorts of science that support that bonding with your baby happens on an instinctual and chemical level. Having a baby is one of the most wonderful experiences that you can have in your life. Here are some tips for making it even more fulfilling and building a relationship with them that will last a lifetime.
Skin To Skin Contact
When your baby is first born modern studies show that the first several hours of their lives are crucial. By placing the newborn baby on the mother or father’s bare chest while also bare-chested themselves they are made to feel safe, warm, and less jolted by the newness of their surroundings.
This can be done for as long as you wish as long as you have a blanket over the two of you and take breaks for feeding. This way you can both ease into your new relationship feeling the love swarm all over you.
Co-Sleeping
Many doctors believe that co-sleeping may not only cure colic but creates happier children overall. The family “nest” is something that has been practiced in cultures all over the world since the beginning of humanity. From cavemen to modern families living in high rise condos today.
The family bed creates a bond between all of you which is comforting and pleasant. If at first you are concerned with the safety of sleeping with a newborn and have concerns about rolling over onto them or not waking up if they cry, consider a side bed attachment which allows them to be next to you, but separated by a small barrier. This way you can have the peace of mind knowing that they are still comforted by your presence and you by theirs, yet they aren’t at risk of being hurt.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is one of the most bonding experiences that you can have between you and your child. It gives the baby special nutrients and antibodies and forms a special mother-baby bond that is unique to anything else.
While breastfeeding can be initially painful as you skin adjusts to being chafed by a mouth all day, this pain wears off and you will develop a resistance to irritation. One option is to substitute breastfeeding with breast pumps, but alternatively, you can buy a nipple cream that will soothe the pain.