FALLING IN LOVE CAN TAKE TIME

Most parents respond to their baby’s big eyes and helpless little sounds by falling in love. In addition, the hormones released during labour, birth and early breastfeeding provide the foundation for bonding. However, for some moms, the response to their baby is nothing like this. If you find you feel nothing for your baby or are too anxious to respond to his needs, do not be concerned. Many moms experience this, especially if the birth was traumatic. Bonding is not something that happens in a moment but rather a process that unfolds over the first year of life. For some it begins during pregnancy, for others at the moment of birth and for others still it may take a few weeks to begin. As you settle into motherhood you will begin to feel fiercely protective and very much in love with your baby. Only if this does not occur within the first few months do you need to be concerned and see a psychologist for help with the transition to motherhood or postnatal depression.