The Importance of bonding and attachment between child and parent - CatholicCare NT

When you bond with your child, it sets the stage for them to enter healthy relationships with other people throughout life.

When should I feel a bond with my baby?

Bonding is a process, not something that takes a few minutes. There is no ‘right’ amount of time that it takes. Lots of people have different experiences in forming a connection.

How can I encourage attachment?

Babies love to listen to your voice, it soothes and reminds them they are safe with you. Eye-to-eye contact also provides meaningful communication. Your baby is suddenly out of the safe womb and in a world with noise and lights, by soothing and making them feel comfortable your bond increases. Try cradling and gently rocking your baby to comfort them.

Babies also respond to the smell and touch of their parents, as well as how parents react to their needs. When a parent responds to a child’s needs, a trusting relationship and lifelong attachment develops.

What if I don’t feel a bond?

First of all, do not panic, you are not alone. Parents often feel this, and there is support and guidance to help everyone through. Speak to a maternal health nurse or other child development professionals about different types of positive bonding.  CatholicCare NT offer supports in counselling, parenting and group-work that can help.  Other support systems such as family, friends and the local community are fantastic for sharing with and helping with confidence.

Good parent-child connections take time and effort. Our children are born with plenty of love for us, both parents and children just have to learn how to express this. By sticking with it and trusting in time, we can create strong and loving connections.