Maternal instinct doesn’t kick in for every single mum, and while most immediately bond with their little one this is not the case for everyone.
If you are finding it a struggle to connect with your little one, there are a few things you can do:
Enjoy as much skin-on-skin contact as possible
Try to enjoy as much skin-on-skin contact with your baby as much as you can. Not only does it help regulate your baby’s temperature and help stabilise their heartbeat, but you will get to know them a little better which will help with the bonding process.
Watch their every move
To help with the bonding process, you need to get to know this new little person in your life. Spend time, just you and baby, getting used to each other and understanding certain cues. You will then be able to recognise when baby is happy, hungry or tired which will help you connect with each other.
Talk to your mid-wife about PND
Mothers who struggle to bond can be suffering from postnatal depression, so talk to your midwife about how you are feeling. You should never feel ashamed that you are struggling, and talking to someone will take at least some of the pressure off your shoulders more or less straight away. So be open and honest – that is what your midwife is there for.
Talk to them
Bonding works both ways so spend time talking to your little one so that they get to know your voice and will respond to it a lot quicker. Lie beside them on the ground or hold them close and sing and chat to them. As they respond to your cues and voice you will start to feel a connection with your little one.
Be patient
The last thing you should do is spend time worrying about the fact that you are struggling to bond. You must remember that your body has gone through a pretty huge ordeal and your emotions are going to be all over the place, so give yourself some time. Cuddle, kiss and spend time getting to know your baby and things will eventually feel better.
