#NewMothers #BondingWithBabies #Childbirth #Parenting
When a new mother brings her newborn child into the world, it is often said that the first moments after birth are crucial for bonding between the mother and her baby. But is there any scientific basis for this widely held belief? In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why people say new mothers must hold their child as soon as they are born to bond with their babies.
The Importance of Bonding 👶🏼
The bond between a mother and her child is a special and unique connection that forms the foundation for a child’s emotional and social development. It is often said that the first few moments after birth are critical for establishing this bond, which is why new mothers are encouraged to hold their newborn babies as soon as they are born. But what is the reasoning behind this?
Bonding With Babies After Birth 🤱🏽
There are several reasons why it is believed that new mothers should hold their babies as soon as they are born in order to establish a strong bond with them. Let’s take a closer look at some of these reasons.
Skin-to-Skin Contact:
– Skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth has been shown to have numerous benefits for both the mother and the baby. This close physical contact helps regulate the baby’s body temperature and heart rate, and it can also promote the release of bonding hormones such as oxytocin in both the mother and the baby. This hormone is often referred to as the “love hormone” because of its role in promoting feelings of trust and affection between individuals.
Promoting Breastfeeding:
– Holding the baby skin-to-skin immediately after birth can also promote successful breastfeeding. The close physical contact and bonding that occurs during this time can help the baby latch onto the breast more easily, leading to better breastfeeding outcomes. Additionally, the release of oxytocin during skin-to-skin contact can help stimulate the mother’s milk production, which is crucial for the baby’s nutrition and growth.
Emotional Connection:
– The first moments after birth are a time of immense emotional significance for both the mother and the baby. Holding the baby close and gazing into their eyes can help facilitate an emotional connection that lays the foundation for a strong bond between the two. This connection can bring a sense of security and comfort to the baby, and it can also help the mother feel more connected to her newborn child.
Scientific Basis for Bonding with Newborns 📚
Research and studies in the field of child development have provided valuable insights into the importance of early bonding between mothers and their newborn babies. Here are some key findings from scientific literature that support the idea of holding the baby as soon as they are born to promote bonding.
Attachment Theory:
– Attachment theory, developed by psychologist John Bowlby, emphasizes the significance of early bonding experiences in shaping a child’s emotional and social development. According to this theory, a secure attachment between a mother and her baby provides a foundation for the baby’s future relationships and emotional well-being.
Neurobiological Effects:
– Studies have shown that the close physical contact between a mother and her newborn baby can have profound effects on the baby’s neurobiological development. Skin-to-skin contact and the release of bonding hormones such as oxytocin can impact the baby’s brain development and emotional regulation, laying the groundwork for healthy interpersonal relationships later in life.
Maternal Sensitivity:
– Research has demonstrated that early bonding experiences, such as holding the baby immediately after birth, can enhance a mother’s sensitivity and responsiveness to her baby’s needs. These qualities are essential for providing a nurturing and supportive environment for the baby’s emotional and cognitive development.
In summary, there is a strong scientific basis for the belief that new mothers should hold their babies as soon as they are born to promote bonding. The benefits of early skin-to-skin contact and emotional connection between the mother and her baby have been supported by research and studies in child development.
The Role of Fathers and Other Caregivers 👨👩👧
While the emphasis on bonding between a mother and her newborn baby is often highlighted, it is important to recognize that fathers and other caregivers also play a crucial role in nurturing and bonding with the baby. Here are some ways in which fathers and other caregivers can foster a strong bond with the baby:
Participating in Skin-to-Skin Contact:
– Fathers and other caregivers can also engage in skin-to-skin contact with the baby to promote bonding. This physical closeness can help them form a strong emotional connection with the baby and contribute to the baby’s overall well-being.
Feeding and Caretaking:
– Involvement in feeding, diaper changes, and other caretaking activities provides fathers and other caregivers with opportunities to bond with the baby and develop a sense of competence and attachment.
Emotional Support for the Mother:
– Providing emotional support for the mother during the postpartum period can create a supportive environment for bonding between the mother and the baby. This support can help the mother feel more secure and capable in her role as a caregiver, which in turn can enhance the bonding process.
In Conclusion 🌟
The first moments after birth are indeed significant for establishing a strong bond between a mother and her newborn baby. The physical and emotional connection that occurs during this time sets the stage for the baby’s emotional and social development, and it can have lasting effects on the child’s well-being. By understanding the importance of early bonding experiences and the role of caregivers in nurturing this bond, we can create a supportive environment for newborn babies to thrive and grow.
In conclusion, the belief that new mothers must hold their babies as soon as they are born to bond with them is supported by scientific findings and underscores the importance of early bonding experiences in shaping a child’s development. This understanding can guide parents and caregivers in providing a nurturing and supportive environment for newborn babies as they embark on their journey of growth and development.
There’s science behind it. Skin to skin contact releases a hormone called oxytocin, which helps with bonding. Same is true for dads, which is why dads do it too. I experienced it with my baby, you can almost feel the oxytocin surge through you when you do it.
Also there’s other things it does. It helps the baby hear mum’s heartbeat, which soothes them because they heard it in the womb. It triggers the mum’s body to produce milk and triggers the baby’s feeding instincts. It passes good bacteria from mum’s skin to baby’s and so helps prevent infection. There’s more I’m forgetting.
Holding a baby on you after birth is a really powerful thing.
There are a lot of hormones that are released when a mother holds a baby. Some of those help to start the mother’s milk producing which can be a reason it’s important to hold asap.
However anecdotally I held one child straight away and another I didn’t get to hold for 5 hours and the bigger issue for me was dealing with the post natal depression and the kid I did get to hold causing more issues with bonding…
Yes there is a scientific base to it. Both mother and baby release lots of hormones during that contact, especially oxytocine wich is the “cuddle/love hormone” and lets both of them bind emotionally to the other.
Lots of later problems can occur if this bonding doesn’t happen (it can also happen later, but right after birth is the easiest because we’re biologically designed to bond right after birth).
Read about [Attachment Theory](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attachment_theory) if you want to know more. There is a chapter about the neurobiology of it.
>Recent studies convey that early attachment relationships become molecularly instilled into the being, thus affecting later immune system functioning.[158] Empirical evidence communicates that early negative experiences produce pro inflammatory phenotype cells in the immune system, which is directly related to cardiovascular disease, autoimmune diseases, and certain types of cancer
As an example
In addition to other responses, the skin to skin contact helps the baby thermoregulate as well!
Other people have mentioned the benefits of oxytocin for milk production and bonding, but there’s another important effect.
Oxytocin stimulates contraction of the uterus, which is extremely important to stop bleeding. A synthetic form of oxytocin (Pitocin) is routinely given for this reason.
A newborn child reacts to comfort like any other creature but doesn’t give a damn where it comes from. Whether it is a blood relative or not is of no real significance.
I can’t exactly explain like you’re five because the best analogy is holdig your partner right after having some amazing sex. In both cases, you’re body pumps you full of hormones that tend to make you love the person you’re holding.
does it have to be your baby or any baby?
I’m a dad and I did skin to skin because my wife was still too messed up from the medicine she was given.
Kind of anecdotal but I noticed my baby was immediately bonded to me and preferred me to my wife for a long while.
I have often thought that part of the reason is to confirm that the mother understands how to hold their baby. People are incredibly clueless sometimes
In addition to what others have said, it also helps with establishing breastfeeding. Newborns will often instinctively crawl up to find the nipple. See [the breast crawl](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breast_crawl).
WE ARE NOT DUCKLINGS! We do NOT imprint on the first creature we see.
Why? Because it gives the birthing police Karens ANOTHER thing to shame the new mom about. Instead of letting her sleep, she has to immediately do a proper job of bonding or the child’s LIFE IS RUINED FOREVER.
It also lets them demonize the staff for things like taking the baby for a quick checkup, the eye and Hep B treatment, or maybe even some warming and O2 and suctioning because IT INTERFERES WITH THE SACRED BONDING MOMENT.
I have a British midwifery handbook from pre-WWII era and their practice was to take the baby and keep it warm, let the mom sleep and bring it to her when she had rested and the baby was showing signs of hunger.
My dad, born in WWI years, spent the first weeks of his preemie life in bed with nuns .. they had no incubator so they took turns keeping him warm tucked in blankets with them (standard for preemies still, not the nuns but the close body contact) . He did not bond to the nuns. When he had grown a bit and could be handed off to his mom, he bonded just fine.
I had an emergency C-section so I was out for the first 2 hours and Dad did the skin to skin, cutting of the cord etc.
Folks have already hit hard on the scientific reasons behind it so I will give my experience. I am a dad and when my child was born and I held them soon after it was incredible. I was blown away by how connected I felt to this person I had just met for the first time. I was so emotional and I can’t describe why but it was honestly the greatest feeling I have ever had and the best day of my life. I truly believe that part of that was being able to hold them in that moment. Its indescribable.
I never had skin to skin with mine at birth. I did breastfeed them and carry them everywhere for the first year or two of their lives. I think those first moments are overrated. I was so exhausted from giving birth that as soon as the babies were out, I wanted to be left alone to mentally recover. Often Daddy would hold them until I was ready.
My kids are adults and seem to like me just fine lol. I had one friend who was convinced her baby would never truly love her unless they had that postpartum “golden hour” for skin to skin. I guess adopted children don’t love their parents? lol It’s just ridiculous. I think what you do for the next 18 years is going to have a much bigger impact than skin to skin with your new baby.
I’m a dad and did skin-to-skin until my wife was able. The nurses mentioned something about it helping the babies immune system.
My wife was not able to do skin to skin contact right away with our daughter as she has a complication and was bleeding out. I held her on my chest first and when my wife was able to she took her. Weird thing is my wife still tells me the reason my daughter loves me more was that hour spent with me!
It is not an old wives tale. My son was born screaming and abruptly stopped the second he heard my voice (I intuitively knew that he would be calmed if I began speaking). After he was put on my chest he struggled to hold up his head and open his eyes in order to see me. He very clearly knew he was back where he belonged and wanted to be there. It was truly magical.
Man here: when my son was born my wife was needing stitches etc so the doc handed him to me first. I had been talking to him in utero for the last few months, and the instant I held him and spoke his name he became quiet.
He recognized my voice! I’m almost crying remembering it.
So back to OP’s question: because getting squeezed through a tiny hole is the most trauma that child has experienced so far in life, and being held by a familiar voice and heartbeat is comforting.
Lots of hormones are released for both baby and mom (dad, too!)
Oxytocin being one of them which is also known as the “love hormone” and it also stimulates prolactin (the hormone that produces milk)
Dopamine is also released which gives mom a euphoric feeling which helps with healing as it helps control pain
Another cool thing that skin to skin does for mom and baby is that a mom’s milk can change to suit a baby’s needs. Skin to skin, a mother’s kiss, breastfeeding itself, changes the milk. Baby releases hormones which in turn comes out of pores, in saliva, sweat, etc when that comes in contact with moms skin or mouth, that allows her body to make the changes that baby needs. The human body is super fascinating!
Like you’re five? Because it’s true.
The way I understood it when my son was born (adopted so none of the breast feeding stuff applied) was that 90% or more of a babies energy went towards brain development. If the baby is stressed then that’s less energy going to development and more to other areas. When you do skin to skin the baby feels safe and as much energy as possible is going towards what you want it to.
That’s an extremely simplistic view on it but I’m sure there’s not just one (or even a few) reasons why it’s good, there are a bunch.