How to bond with your new adopted baby

Adopting a newborn is exciting and down right thrilling. But unlike carrying a child for nine months, an adoptive mother doesn't have that built in time to bond with her baby before they are born.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• snuggly
• two to four weeks of mommy and baby time
• patience
• familial support
• support of friends

1. During the adoption process, there is excitment in the air. You are planning for the new arrival. Maybe this is your first child and you are getting the nursery ready, its painted and you may even have the furniture. Then you stop and think, "Am I going to bond with my baby?"
2. When he or she arrives, allow yourself and your child to get to know each other. Hold them, cuddle with them, feed them, bathe them, do the mommy and baby thing. Also, when possible, be skin on skin with yourself and the baby. This is where the snuggly comes in handy. You can carry the baby while you do what you need to and they hear your heart beat and feel your skin. Allow them to smell your skin, you may even want to put a shirt of yours in their bassinet or crib.
3. Allow yourself two to four weeks of bonding time. If you have a spouse, partner, significant other, you may need to share the time, but, be consistent in the times that you are caring for the child. If you partner is working and you are home alone with the baby, this is your time to bond.
4. When you bring the baby home, it is suggested that you keep family and friends away for at least three weeks to give you and your spouse a chance to bond and allow the baby to become acquainted with their surroundings and environment.

Tips & Warnings

• Grandparents and other family members, including friends, are going to want to hold your baby. Remember, you are the parents and you are learning to set clear boundaries and limits. Allow yourself time to become acquainted with your new child.