As a new mum, you will find people ask you many personal questions regarding your pregnancy and the birth but one thing that some people do like to ask you as a new mum is, “do you feel the bond with your baby?”
This question can be quite patronising for some mums; not because they don’t want to share their happiness, but it can be because they don’t feel that bond with their baby quite yet.
When it comes to bonding with someone else, whether its a baby or not, it doesn’t always happen instantly; it takes time and as you get to know each other and spend more time together, you soon start growing closer and you will start to feel a bond. So, if you are a new mum and you have just given birth to your baby, but you don’t yet feel close to your baby, this is nothing to worry about. It doesn’t make you a bad parent. If your baby is being fed, looked after properly and given love and attention then you are already doing a great job.
If you are worried as to why you haven’t yet felt the bond with your baby, you need to remember there are factors to take into consideration such as: you have just given birth and that is not an easy job, you could also be feeling stressed, overwhelmed and many other emotions which are known as ‘baby blues’. Another factor you need to consider is: if you have had a hard delivery then you will need time to recover before you can concentrate on anything. If you happen to have low thyroid levels this can be another reason. Low thyroid levels can make you feel easily irritated, depressed or you may have problems with your sleeping. If you do have low thyroid levels or are suffering from baby blues, it is always best to seek medical help or talk to someone who is able to advise you on what you can do to feel your normal self again.
Here are some simple things you can do to feel closer to your baby:
Hold your baby, have cuddles and gently stroke your baby’s head; this will be relaxing for both you and your baby.
Breastfeeding is a great way to bond.
Spend some time playing with your baby.
Sing and talk to your baby; there’s nothing better than your baby looking at you even though he/she may not understand or know what you’re talking about.
Wear your baby in a sling; the human contact between you both can help with the bond. It’s also a great way to keep your baby close by to you and you can see everything your baby is doing.