Bonding & Wearing

Connecting with your baby and bringing him or her into your whole family is a process. Be kind to yourself through this journey. There are many ways to get to know your baby and care for your family as you grow too. Families can try many different activities to bond and grow together, such as:

• Take pictures, share them with those important to you, and use them for reflection. Friends might like to see the wild and funny images too, not only the sweet and beautiful ones. Motherhood is a complex and often unexpected ride, and showing others the real deal might be helpful in feeling seen. Additionally, viewing pictures of your baby can help you see what a great job you are doing. Looking after children can feel stressful in the moment, and reflecting back on images offers an opportunity to see how special things are.

• Read, talk, and sing to your baby. These are activities that siblings and others can lead too. Babies hear us before they are born and the sound of family voices is comforting. The eye contact, smiles, and sounds also promote baby’s development.

• Get out and about together. Walks around the yard or park, a library or mall, or other places you like can be enjoyable. As a mother-baby dyad, and possibly with family or friends, being in various settings can be rejuvenating. You feeling good is important for being happy with your baby too. The 4th Trimester comes with a lot of intense infant care - so doing it in a variety of places can be a useful approach.

• Baby wearing. In addition to carrying your baby in your arms and using a stroller as helpful, you might consider wearing your baby. Baby wearing comes in many forms, which can continue through toddlerhood. Basics of wraps, slings, carriers are outlined in the Baby Wearing Basic and Safety section.

Bonding and baby wearing can be rewarding and challenging when multiple babies are involved. Here is a link to a great resource for parents of twins.