Most mommas are aware that bonding with the baby is a significant part of their experience in the first year. However, this doesn't mean that every moment will be perfect, or that bonding will go smoothly. In fact, it can be as challenging as any other part of motherhood such as the late night feeds and getting into a new routine. Happily, there are some strategies you can use to boost the bonding experience with your baby. Just read on to find out what they are.
Know that struggle is natural
The first tactic you can use to make the bonding process go a little easier is to take all of that pressure off of yourself. Many mothers don't bond straight after birth, especially if they have a had difficult pregnancy, a hard labor, or Baby was sick when they arrived, and so they didn't get to spend much time with them.
In fact, much like all the other important experiences in life, there is no one accepted time for bonding with baby. For some mothers, it can take up to 6 months or more, and present as a gradual growing of love rather than a big dramatic emotion. Therefore, if you want to boost the bonding with your baby, cut yourself some slack and let it happen in its own time.
Cuddling can help
Next, various methods of closeness such as cuddling and even skin to skin can help mother and baby bond. To that end picking baby up and soothing them with a cuddle can be a regular activity for mom to engage in.
In fact, you may even wish to invest in a baby carrier that is comfortable enough to hold your little one close to your body while you get in with routine tasks. Something that may help to speed up the bonding processes.
Get some rest
No matter how much you love your baby, when you are physically and mentally exhausted, it can be tough to feel that emotional connection you are looking for. That is why sometimes it can really help to allow Baby to be taken care of by a trusted friend or family member while you allow yourself to rest.
Of course, what usually happens is that you start to miss them anyway which is a clear indication of a forming bond. However, even if you don't, at least you get to return to the situation refreshed and ready to try some of the other strategies that could help grow that emotional connection between baby and mom.
Reading and singing to Baby out loud
Reading to Baby, and singing are also fantastic ways to encourage bonding between you. Of course, baby won't understand the meaning of the words, but the sound of your voice, the one they heard in the womb for all those moths can be incredibly soothing to them.
Also, by setting aside some time for this sort of shared experience, you are acknowledging the importance of your relationship, and also setting up excellent habits for the future of your momma - baby relationship as well.
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Happy Thanksgiving Eve lovelies. I hope you are having a wonderful evening. I spent the day putting up our Christmas tree. I can't decide if I like it or not. I think I am over this old cheap tree we snagged from Target a few years back but financially, purchasing a new tree is out of the question. I did buy some little berry trimmings and green velvet ribbon from Hobby Lobby in hopes to make it look more full. I might need to head back there after the Black Friday rush this weekend to grab some more greenery to hide some of the open spots on the tree. My husband--bless his heart--says that the tree looks good but I just ain't feeling it this year.
These are just a few tips on how to bond with your baby during their first year of life. I sang to my babies, made up silly songs to sing to them, and we did a lot of playing on the floor. Diaper changes are also a great way to create a bond with your child as well.
Thanks for swinging by our little neck of the woods on the internet. We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends.
God bless.
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