Not every mum falls instantly in love with their baby read on to learn about things you can do to soon make your relationship a strong and healthy one.
A common fear for many first-time mothers is one that no one wants to talk about: What if I dont bond with my baby? The prevalence of postpartum depression tends to exacerbate this fear, leaving lots of new mothers feeling like failures over something that they cannot control. While postpartum depression doesnt carry the same stigma it did twenty years ago, many women go undiagnosed and feel ashamed that they arent instantly in love with their new arrival. If this sounds like you or someone you know, read on to learn about things you can do to make your relationship with your baby a strong and healthy one.
Baby slings carriers Baby slings and baby carriers are fantastic for you and your baby. Skin-to-skin contact can stimulate oxytocin production (there go those warm fuzzies again!) in both mum and baby. Having your baby in such close proximity for so long lets the two of you get to know each other on a deeper level. Baby will know your voice, your smell, and even the way you move, and you will develop a second sense for your babys needs before she has a chance to get fussy.
Talk to your doctor This may sound like a no-brainer, but many new mums are embarrassed to admit that they havent bonded instantly with their baby. Your doctor may diagnose postpartum depression or refer you to a specialist who can.
Nurse your baby Breastfeeding is the best possible thing you can do for your baby, and it has benefits for you as well. Nursing releases oxytocin, which is responsible for that warm, fuzzy feeling. Some mothers even say they feel a sense of euphoria while breastfeeding their babies. If nursing isnt an option for you, dont despair; you can still make feeding time special. Go into a quiet room and take in the sights, sounds, and smells of your baby. If you arent comfortable with that much intimacy just yet, then read your favourite book or turn on Netflix and watch the latest episode of a television show.
Talk to your baby It may sound silly since your baby cant talk back, but talking to your baby is very soothing to him since he already knows your voice from hearing it inside the womb. Talking to your baby also plays a big part in language development. But dont feel you have to go 100% baby talk babies who are spoken to frequently in a natural conversational tone have the opportunity to better learn the rhythms, intonations and sounds normal language communication.
Bonding with your baby may not be as easy as it looks in movies or on television, but that doesnt mean anything is wrong with your relationship with your child if you dont immediately feel the love in the way that perhaps you had anticipated. Take it one day at a time, and soon your little bean will be your favourite person in the world.