Bonding with Your Baby
The concept of parent-child bonding, once a precise academic theory, has
evolved into one of general application to the parent-child relationship.
The theory concerns itself with ensuring that a new mother does not
reject her offspring. How is this achieved? It is asserted that the first
minutes or hours after birth constitute a sensitive period during which a
mother should have close physical contact with her newborn. This theory
supposes that a mother would instinctively be drawn closer to her child in
the future if bonding (brought about by face-to-face and skin-to-skin
contact) takes place soon after birth. This supposedly gives an advantage
to the child and will help him or her reach optimal potential. If only
parenthood were that easy!
While maternal-infant bonding is an interesting psychological idea,
research has not substantiated in human beings the cause-and-effect
relationship this theory speaks of. And although nonrational animals
show some instinctive tendency of this sort, speculating that rational man
responds similarly is scientifically unacceptable. Anthropology—the
study of mankind—is very different from zoology, the study of animals.^1
There is nothing wrong with a newborn cuddling with his or her
mother right after birth or having a close time together with his or her
new family. If it’s possible, we encourage you to do that. Take time to
acknowledge the wonderful creation of a new life. But don’t think those
first minutes are more binding or important than all the hours and days
that will follow. Building a healthy parent-child relationship doesn’t take
place in a moment of time; it’s a long-term process. Your baby will not
be permanently impaired if there is a lack of physical contact with mom
right after birth.^2
Cesarean Birth
The purpose for cesarean section surgery is basic: to safeguard the life of
the baby or the mother. Most often referred to as a c-section, delivery is
accomplished through an incision in the abdominal wall and uterus. The