Many of you have surely heard the term "bonding", but what exactly does it mean?
By definition, bonding is the process of forming an emotional and loving bond between parents and baby 👨👩👧👦. It is formed in the early stages of a baby's life🤰🏻 and is considered essential because it can serve as a prototype for forming relationships in later life 👵🏻. According to studies, it can also affect a child's social, emotional and cognitive development. Bonding gives babies a sense of security 👨🏻🍼, and parents 👨👧 a sense of connection with a new family member. In the case of mother-child bonding, there is a desire to provide the baby with warmth, comfort, food🍼 and protection🧑🏼🍼.
The neuroendocrine hormone oxytocin and the monoamine dopamine are behind this behavior. It is not yet known how and where exactly oxytocin works. Oxytocin receptors are widely distributed and oxytocin fulfills several other functions at the same time, so it is difficult to determine the exact mechanism of the emergence of maternal behavior.
"Skin-to-skin" contact between mother and baby strengthens 💪🏻 maternal behavior. There is better postpartum adaptation and cardiorespiratory 🫀stability of the baby, easier latching to the breast🍼 and rapid onset of lactation. It also reduces postpartum bleeding and baby crying. Early contact with mom, dad or other close person is considered the basis of quality postpartum care🙏🏻.
Verra team💕