Bonding With Your Baby

Often the unsaid part of the breastfeeding experience is the bonding that takes place between you and the baby. Because of the hormones released in your brain and the babys, you both have an intense feeling of happiness immediately after your infant starts suckling. Benefits of breastfeeding also include better adjustment for the babies in terms of social interactions later in life. The mother also has the benefit of quicker weight loss after delivery, though often it doesnt take place until after she is done nursing. (Many new mothers report higher levels of hunger that negate the extra five hundred calories that the womans body needs to nurse a baby). In addition the deep emotional and physical bond is perhaps also responsible for the reported easier post-partum blues adjustment that many mothers have.

How To Build The Bond
Perhaps loving the bond that you build with your baby will ensure you commitment to breastfeeding your baby for up to one year, or after. You will have your own methods, techniques and ways to create the perfect environment to share with your baby. But we have gathered some ways that worked for us and mothers we know, hoping that they will give you a starting point for making it work for you and your family.

(Warning: research co-sleeping and risks for SIDS and discuss it with your doctor. It is a way of life for some families and the deadly sin for others. Find what is right for yours)

If it is your first baby, it is easier to be 100% focused on the baby and her needs. Many moms choose to live in or around their beds with the newborn for the first few weeks after giving birth. The soft and comfortable setting lends itself well into cuddling with your baby. Make sure there is no heavy blankets or other potential dangers in your bed. Be sure that neither you nor your partner are under the influence of drugs or alcohol if you choose to co-sleep. Our respondents found that breastfeeding while laying down is a great alternative as it allows the new mom to rest for 10-15 minutes every couple of hours a break she desperately needs but may be reluctant to give herself. In the early days of motherhood you can prop yourself up and even read as you are laying on your side and your book or magazine is behind the babys back, as the baby is nursing! Great time to catch up on a good heartwarming novel or read up on the baby info in one of the baby magazines.

Recruit your spouse to bond together with you and your baby. When you are breastfeeding he can lay next to you, hug you, cover you with a light blanket and enjoy being there with you and your baby. He will certainly enjoy the beautiful sight, serenity and aura of peace about you. We recommend that if he wants to have a bonding experience with the baby (and some fathers adamantly push for the use of the bottle so that they share in the feeding process), you gently suggest that there will be plenty of time in the babys life when dad can play an integral part in giving the food. Imagine a toddler throwing spaghetti all over the kitchen he can certainly take over then! Explain to him how important breastfeeding is for your baby and you. Help him understand that t sexuality of your body and motherhood are not mutually exclusive, they just have to coexist during the same period in your life, taking turns by day and by night.

Another great place for you to find zen during nursing is in a comfortable glider or chair in your babys nursery. You can have quiet soothing music playing in the room and a comfortable breastfeeding pillow around you and under your baby. If you feel that you absolutely cannot live without TV, you can find a comfortable place in your TV room for breastfeeding. Make sure the sounds of the TV are not too loud and your baby is not distracted from nursing. Try to watch something positive, uplifting and relaxing so that your baby get the vibe from you that everything is going well and you are happy (cooking shows or a light-hearted comedy may be good alternatives).

If you have older children, depending on their age, try to involve them in the breastfeeding process. Older children can help you by bringing pillows and blankets for you to be comfortable. Little ones that are not able to understand why all of a sudden a little baby has taken over mommys time would undoubtedly enjoy reading a book or imagining fairy tales about dinosaurs and princesses.

The main thing during this time in your life is to focus on the baby and not forget your own needs. Enjoy as much rest as you can. Dont be shy about letting your friends and family cook you dinner. Its usually not a huge burden on them, and you know that you have and will do the same for them. If your family budget allows, hire a cleaning service once a month. This will take the pressure off you and you will have more time to dedicate to your newly grown family.