Will my baby and I bond right away? And what should I do if we don't?

It's really different for everyone. To some mommies, bonding can begin when baby is still in the womb. My mom went through some tough times personally when she was pregnant with my younger brother and claims that her bond with him started then as she would talk to him and share her worries with him. They're really close till today (he's 27) and she pays more attention to him up till now (no i'm not jealous haha). Some mommies do not feel the instant connection as soon as baby's born but that doesn't mean anything -- after a while breastfeeding, cuddling and spending time with baby, all these are considered bonding. Science and other factors aside, I believe that a bond will be formed eventually, how can it not especially after carrying the baby for 9 months? Just my 2 cents.

Relax, give yourself time. Request for skin2skin contact after delivery. Most nurses will allow and encourage this as it helps with bonding and also stimulates your breastmilk to kick in. Remember not to overstress yourself, and if you feel overwhelmed, pass your baby to either your spouse/parents/in laws or anyone who's around to help. It's easy to develop negative feelings towards the newborn if you don't. Don't worry, overtime the bond will definitely be there. Afterall, you carried your child for months inside you.

It differs from woman to woman. Some women cry when they hold their baby and instantly feel connected, but for me, I didn't cry when I first held my daughter. Breastfeeding really improves bonding. Cuddling and lots of skin contact also helps to produce oxytocin which intensifies bonding. http://www.livescience.com/42198-what-is-oxytocin.html http://sg.theasianparent.com/ways-of-bonding-with-your-baby/2/ http://my.theasianparent.com/bonding-with-newborn-for-moms/

thanks