The first few weeks with your baby are always special and a perfect time to bond with them. However, those first few weeks may not always turn out as you envisioned as there is no manual to after a newborn. Many parents may experience lack of sleep, a change in their normal routine or issues with breastfeeding.
There are many ways to help you bond with your baby and some of these are a perfect way to help you relax and enjoy your time breastfeeding.
(1) early skin to skin ideally within the first hours of your baby being born, helps release hormonal triggers that encourage your new born to find your breast. Skin to skin helps your baby when they need calming our comforting moments and helps to boost your milk supply. Skin to skin also releases oxytocin levels so it's a win during those early stages of motherhood when it may feel daunting.
(2) making lots of eye contact with your baby will help you bond with them. Although babies can only see black and white colours during the first few months, they can focus on things less than 25cm away from them. This means they may be able to see your face whilst breastfeeding and can definitely tell their mother’s scent.
(3) speaking softly to your baby is a useful tool for bonding as a baby's hearing is well developed. New-borns have shown to prefer their mothers voice to others so speaking to them about anything or singing with help build that connection between you.
(4) cuddling, stroking or rocking your baby gently are brilliant ways to soothe your baby and make them feel safe and loved. Your baby may also grasp your finger to feel connected to you. Many mothers find that carrying their baby in sling helps boost their oxytocin levels and calm their baby because they feel so close to them.