Comprehension: Maternal Affection and Bonding

From the time of its birth, the newborn needs tender care, including gentle strokes and skin-to-skin contact.

          Some physicians believe that the first twelve hours after birth are crucial. They say that what mother and child require and want most right after the delivery is “not sleep or food, but to store and struggle and to look at and listen to each other”. But is this what happens in all cases?

          Instantly, parents reach out, cuddle, stroke and snuggle their baby. The baby, in turn, becomes securely attached to his parents and responds to their attention. The power of this bond is so strong that parents will make sacrifices to care for the infant without letting up.

          On the other hand, without a loving parental bond, an infant may literarily wilt and die. Therefore some doctors believe it is important that a baby be given to its mother immediately after delivery. They suggest that at least 30 to 60 minutes of early contact between parent and infant should be provided.

          Despite the emphasis that some put on bonding, early contact may be difficult if not impossible in some hospitals. Often newborns are separated from the mother because of the danger of transmission of infection to the child. Some evidence indicates, though, that the rate of fatal infections may actually drop when newborns stay with their mothers. So, more and more hospitals are open to early extended contact between the mother and the newborn.

          Some mothers do not become emotionally attached to their baby, the first time they see it. So they wonder, will I have trouble bonding? Admittedly, not all mothers fall in love with their baby at first sight.

          Yet there is no need to be anxious.

          Even when maternal affection for the baby is delayed it can develop fully later. “There’s no one birth circumstance that makes or breaks your relationship with your child,” observes an experienced mother. Still, if you are expecting a baby and have concerns, it may be wise to have a discussion with your obstetrician in advance. Be clear about your wishes on when and how to interact with your newborn.