The Importance

Bonding of mother and the newborn.

- Romola Shanbhag

Many women do not really appreciate the immense importance of bonding with their newborn. This is forgiveable and quite understandable, of course. In all the excitement, tension and commotion of a child birth, the newcomer is cooed over, admired and passed from hand to hand, leaving little time for the mother to have some peaceful time with the child she has carried in her womb for nine months.

But it must take place, even if delayed, for it forms a strong foundation of the emotional and mental well-being of the little one. Bonding is a strong special attachment which nourishes a relationship between a newborn and its parents, it means that it sends the latter flying to the crib when the occupant cries or shows any little sign of distress or grief. Bonding is an instinctive emotion in the parent which promises to care and nourish their young one.

A research conducted on parenting claims, “strong emotional attachment between mother and her baby may help prevent diseases, boost immunity and enhance a child’s IQ.” Very impressive, indeed.

But does mother-child bonding happen spontaneously?

Unfortunately, not always.

Last month when I dropped in at Charu’s to see her infant son, I was mesmerised by the beautiful picture she presented as she sat placidly, cradling the child in her arms. Her cheek rested on his, and a tiny hand clutched her little finger. Madonna and child, I thought to myself. Bonding was taking place splendidly here....

Yesterday when I visited my cousin and her infant daughter, I found the mother quite distraut. The baby was howling away in the nurse’s arms, and Shweta, I could see was near tears.