skin time: There can be nothing more assuring and satisfying for a baby than an instant skin contact with the mother. ‘A breast crawl right after the birth helps in achieving this. When the baby is put across the mother’s chest face down to do the breast crawl, she feels, smells and connects with the mother well. And of course reaches out for her first feed,’ says Dr Shah. Here are some facts about the breast crawl.
If you had a C-section or were separated from your baby due to some medical emergency, do the kangaroo position to establish the skin-to-skin connection when reunited. This simply means keeping your baby on your bare chest.
Talk to your baby: Your baby’s sense of hearing is heightened right after birth, talk to your baby. ‘Because your baby can listen to you and instantly recognize your voice, she would be attentive to this voice to learn about the world around. So don’t miss on this,’ says Dr Shah.
See eye-to-eye: Newborns with their limited visual sense can see things around the radius of 30 cm. ‘So hold your newborn very close and see eye-to-eye. This way she can give face to the mother and know whom she belongs to,’ says Dr Shah. Ever seen a newborn gaping at her mother in awe? Now you know why. Here’s how you cankeep your baby’s eyes healthy.
Breastfeed: Nothing helps in bonding better than breastfeeding. ‘Feed your baby and do it on demand. This gives you an opportunity to have more skin-to skin, talk to your baby and satisfy her. This is the most pure form of bonding,’ says Dr Shah. Also read a new mum’s guide to breastfeeding.
Hug your baby: And do it often. ‘Pick your baby and hold her close to your heart. The sound of your heart beat is the most soothing sound for her. Press your baby’s ears on the left side for your chest gently. Since your baby is familiar to this sound from the days in the womb, your baby would recognize it and connect to you more,’ says Dr Shah.
Bonding at home
Massage your baby: Gently and in circular movements. Though many experts have different views on baby massage, ‘Massage time calls for relaxing and unwinding and calms the baby,’ says Dr Shah.
Sing and dance with her: Do this gleefully. Often sing to her and dance around your living area or bedroom. You connect to her more while spreading the joy of living naturally.
Rock your baby: Do this gently. ‘Hold your baby in your arms and move her side-to-side and then up and down. These movements help soothe her senses, relax, unwind and also help you put your baby to sleep,’ says Dr Shah.
Make diaper changing fun: Everyone likes to be clean and fresh, newborns are no different. ‘Make this mundane task fun by pointing out the different body parts to your baby, explaining to her their functions. Talking more at this stage will help her build her vocabulary, enhance creativity and bond better,’ says Dr Shah. Also read how to keep your baby safe from diaper rashes and how to deal with them.
Bathe your baby: Bathing is a stress buster, even for babies. ‘Spend some time at the tub. Play with your baby and also bathe together if possible. This relieves stress both from the mother and the baby, enhancing bonding,’ says Dr Shah.
Feed your baby: Even if you choose to bottle feed, do it yourself. ‘Babies are most alert when they are fed. So this will help in connecting better. Breastfeeding would do more good in quenching her hunger and bonding,’ says Dr Shah. Know about the benefits of breastfeeding.
Play with your baby: Playtime is best for bonding. ‘Use age-appropriate colourful toys to engage your baby’s senses and creativity,’ says Dr Shah.
Spend some time alone: ‘Studies suggest that a mother should spend at least 40 minutes of the day with her baby all alone, apart from the daily activities she does with her baby. This also helps in intellectual stimulation,’ informs Dr Shah.
Bonding outdoors
Take her for a walk: Introduce her to the world outside slowly and steadily. ‘Either put her on a stroller or take a walk with your baby in your arms. Talk to your baby, and do it in an adult tone. Babies respect that more and this also helps them to start picking words soon,’ informs Dr Shah.
Be present during the vaccination: ‘Make sure you are there when your baby is pricked. Though nothing can soothe her but your presence will help her to fall back on you. Babies need their mothers when in pain,’ says Dr Shah. Also devote your entire maternity leave to your baby. ‘Avoid social media or other distraction and be more with your baby at least for the first six months. This is a window period you should not miss on to bond with your baby,’ says Dr Shah. Know more about vaccinations.
Explore the world with her: Once your baby is old enough to go for a vacation plan one and don’t forget to click pictures for memories. Once your baby can make sense of them, show it and you will be delighted to see that innocent smile.
Source : thehealthsite.com
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