If you are having trouble bonding with your baby, it’s important to know that there are several signs you may be going through. Some of these are: Lack of sleep, allergies, and hormones.
Hormones
In addition to helping you stay alive, your hormones play a role in forming your relationship with your baby. Birth hormones help your body make changes necessary to deliver a healthy child. These changes include boosting your immune system. And oxytocin is a hormone that helps you feel at one with your newborn. It also boosts your feelings of tenderness and love.
Oxytocin is released when you look at your baby or nurse. It also is produced in your breasts when you produce breast milk. Combined with prolactin, this hormone helps you cope with the demands of your daily routine.
The hypothalamus, a small endocrine gland located at the base of your brain, controls your heart rate, blood pressure and temperature. It is responsible for making and releasing oxytocin.
Lack of sleep
One of the biggest changes parents can experience in the first few months of their child’s life is lack of sleep. It can be an exhausting and frustrating period, and can affect the way you feel and your mood. But don’t despair, there are ways to deal with it. Having a support system can help you to cope.
When your baby isn’t sleeping, it’s important to respond to their needs. Your baby might be crying because they are hungry, because they are cold, or because they need some comfort. The right response can be crucial to bonding with your newborn.
If you’re unable to meet your baby’s sleep needs, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or midwife. They can help you find practical solutions to get you more rest.
Lack of time for self-care
Bonding with your baby is no small feat. It requires a lot of patience, self-control and time. However, it does not have to take over your life. You can share the task with a partner or spouse. In fact, there are plenty of parenting groups to join, where the bonding isn’t the only activity.
As for the actual bonding, you should make it a point to spend time with your new bundle of joy. This can be done via video chat or phone call, but you might want to consider the old fashioned way of doing things, such as sending a postcard or a letter. If you do not have access to a family member or friend to share the load, you should consider enlisting the services of a professional.
Lack of social smiles
If you notice your baby isn’t smiling often, you might think you’re not bonding with him or her. Babies and toddlers need to be able to feel secure in their environment, and this is the first building block in relationships.
As your child develops, he or she will learn how to communicate. He or she will imitate facial expressions and make a number of other attempts to interact with you. It’s important that you pay attention to your child’s facial expressions, sounds, and eye contact.
You may also discover that your child has a shy or wary disposition. This will cause your child to stay close to you when interacting with new people. Your child will probably cling to you when you’re at a park or in an activity.
Allergies
Symptoms of allergies can vary from mild to life threatening. If you or your baby has been exposed to a particular allergen for a prolonged period of time, it is best to avoid exposing them to it again. Medications can be prescribed to treat symptoms, but it is best to speak with a pharmacist before using any product.
Keeping a food diary is a good idea. A tally of what your baby eats is a good indication of which foods are causing the most trouble. For instance, peanuts, tree nuts, and seafood are often the culprits. In addition to this, allergy tests are available from your doctor. To keep the best interest in mind, consult a GP before removing any food from your child’s diet.
Taking a multi-pronged approach can help you identify the culprits and get your little one back on track. Some of the most effective treatments include a regimen of frequent skin checks and an elimination diet. Medications such as decongestants are not recommended for children under six.
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