One of the most rewarding experiences of parenthood is bonding with your
new baby. Here's how to make the most of every moment.
Bonding begins as soon as your physician
places your newborn on your chest, then
it grows as you care for your child. Take
advantage of your time alone with your
newborn to create a strong connection.
Keep eye contact while rocking and talking to
your baby. This helps your infant learn to read
your facial expressions and become familiar
with your voice.
Provide skin-to-skin contact any time you
can — even while watching TV or using the
computer. Close contact helps moms and
dads produce oxytocin, a hormone that
promotes attachment.
One of the most natural times for infants
and mothers to bond is during breastfeeding,
according to the Nemours Foundation, a
nonprofi t dedicated to children's health. That's
when babies learn to recognize and build
affi nity for their mother's scent and touch.
Creating closer parental bonds can start even
before your baby arrives. Talking to each other
during pregnancy helps to get your baby used to
both your voices. On the delivery day, take turns
holding and cradling your baby against your bare
skin to establish a strong connection.
Parents who share responsibility for infant care
double the opportunities to create strong bonds.
The American Congress of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists recommends that moms and dads
both play active roles in feeding their newborns.
Dads can carry babies to moms for feedings, and
burp and change them afterward.
When your baby cries, take turns responding.
Meeting your infant's needs establishes trust.
Bath time and nighttime sleep routines are other
opportunities to get to know your new arrival.
As your baby grows, keep looking for new ways
to spend time together. The bonds you build now
set the stage for a lifetime of closeness.
How moms & dads
can nurture baby bonds
We're here for you after your new baby comes. Visit bit.ly/familybond to fi nd out about Northwell
Health's postdelivery services.
One-on-one
As a family
Babies who form secure
attachments and trust their parents
usually have higher self-esteem and
healthier relationships in adulthood
compared to children who do not
have safe, bonded relationships,
according to the US National Library
of Medicine.
For families
northwell.edu
14
