Bonding is the period where an emotional
tie between parent and infant is present. The bonding
process actually begins before birth, when the parent(s)
becomes aware of the growing child and a relationship
can begin. In some cultures the dad, as well as the
mom, will spend time acknowledging the connection they
have, expressing the tangible attachment and building
the relationship they have as a family.
Bonding is both symbolic and psychological carrying
mystique and power as well as physiological growth and
emotional healing. A newborn infant sees, hears and
moves in rhythm to his mother's voice in the first minutes
and hours of life. This synchronized “dance”
shows the physical and emotional significance of bonding
after birth. Positive mental aspects of bonding reflect
as a lower percentage of postpartum depression and baby
blues in new moms and a greater strength in couple relationships
resulting in a lower divorce or abuse rate.
For the baby, bonding begins the process of trust and
communication. Bonding teaches a child that he or she
is loved and wanted. It instills self-awareness as well
as self-esteem.
Bonding with the primary caregiver is crucial for the
baby's survival and development, which includes protecting
the baby from danger, and providing feedings and changings
during irregular hours.
The time after birth spent touching and gazing into
the eyes of a new baby is profound for both the baby
and the parents, but many institutions do not allow
its practice due to inconvenience.
There is a critical, sensitive period
just after the birth that many doctors and physiologists
are just beginning to realize. Ethologists (ethology
is the scientific study of animal behavior) have expressed
this critical period in animals for half a century.
French legislators had even proposed a
law to protect human and canine populations against
aggressive dogs by forbidding the trade of dogs before
the age of 7 weeks. This is based on the knowledge that
early separation from the mother tends to make certain
breeds dangerously aggressive. There is a "sensitive
period" immediately after birth, where there are
unusually high levels of endorphins present in mothers
and infants.
Researchers have suggested that many of
these hormones are significant in the bonding process.
This shows a biological need and place for bonding after
birth, especially between month and infant. Physical
changes, reflecting this biological need, include the
warming of a mother’s chest, the ability of a
newborn to crawl to his or her mother’s nipple,
and decreased crying when an infant touches the mother’s
skin.
It is also important that a "strong
and specific bond" forms, so that the mother is
motivated to provide the high level of care needed by
the helpless infant. This is imperative where levels
of care and health management are low. Across history
in most parts of the world, mothers and infants have
stayed together after birth.
The "bonding period" is a universal
practice throughout time.
My site is below if you would like to read more about
me. I am also an Outreach Member of APPPAH; www.birthpsychology.com,
and active with NICHD (NIH) and may be able to promote
your items with some of our events.
Find
my book Baby Magic at the Wise Woman Bookshop online
Thank you for your time,
Jill Diana Chasse, CHt, MPA
Pregnancy and Family Counseling
Perinatal Mental Health
New York, Washington, DC
www.magicofmotherhood.com
References:
~ Chamberlain, D. Birth
and the Origins of Violence Pre- and Perinatal Psychology
Journal, 10(2), Winter 1995, 57-74
~ Davis-Floyd, R (2003). Birth as an American Rite of
Passage. Birthing Naturally [Online]. Available: http://www.birthingnaturally.net
[23 May 2004].
~ Klaus M. and Kennell J. (1983) Parent to infant bonding:
setting the record straight. J Pediatrics, 102:575-606.
~ Klaus, M., Kennell, J., and Klaus, P. H. (1995). Bonding:
Building the Foundations of Sectire Attachment and Independence.
Reading, Mass: Addision-Wesley.
~ Potts, R. (1997-2004). The Evolution of Cultural Behavior.
Human Evolution [Online]. Available: http://encarta.msn.com
[May 21, 2004].
~ Trevathan, W.R. (1990). The evolution of helplessness
in the human infant and its significance for pre- and
perinatal psychology. Pre- & Peri-Natal Psychology
Journal, 4(4), 267-280.
Manage pregnancy and postpartum emotional challenges including baby blues and PPD symptoms to help reduce the risk of depression and keep yourself and your baby mentally and emotionally strong.
REGISTER HERE
Price: $49.95
Learn exercises and meditations to encourage communication with your baby in the womb, optimizing mental and sensory development as well as promoting the special bond between baby and parent.
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Price: $49.95
A Complimentary Natural Childbirth method for use with or without medications, at home, birth center, or in a hospital with key concepts of “Experiencing, Understanding and Enjoying” your labor and delivery through emotional support, empowering yourself, and empowering your baby.
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Price: $49.95
Relaxations and visualizations involve hypnotherapy/ autosuggestion for relaxation, anti-stress/anti-pain, and self-esteem, as well as communication with the unborn baby and stimulating a mystical and spiritual energy level.
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Price: $49.95
Baby Magic is a Spiritual Guide to Motherhood.
Begining before conception, Baby Magic guides a woman
on her magical journey of becoming a mother. Including
relaxations, eating tips, and exercises, Baby Magic
teaches a woman how to prepare for and welcome her child
with a healthy and brain stimulating environment.
"I'd recommend it to any women who
has even thought about becoming a mother!" -
Rosa Durrante, midwife
Jill Diana Chasse, author of Baby Magic,
is a pregnancy counselor and perinatal development consultant.
She has been working in the field of maternal/child
wellness for over 15 years. She holds a Master's of
Public Administration and a Master's of Science in Psychology.
Mrs. Chasse includes both clinical and spiritual aspects
of growing and nurturing a womb baby in her counseling
and education.
Paperback, 89 pages, publisher--Magic
of Motherhood.
$12.95 plus shipping.
Order this
book from our Bookshop
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