I heard that you are going to be a father. Congratulations. I’m sure that one of the things that is utmost in your mind is how you can bond with your baby. Well, you have come to the right place. I will be sharing four ways new fathers can bond with their babies, even before the baby is born.
Bonding happens in many ways. When you look at your newborn, touch their skin, feed them, and care for them, you’re bonding. By rocking your baby to sleep or stroking their back, you are establishing your new relationship and making them feel more comfortable. You know you have formed an attachment with your baby when your baby goes to you to be soothed.
Here are some ways to enhance the father-baby bonding experience:
- Bonding can happen even when your baby is in the womb. You can do it by speaking to him and calling his name. Your baby will be able to recognise your voice after he’s born. Experience your baby in the womb by putting your hand on your wife’s belly to feel the baby kick. Accompany your wife on prenatal visits. And start thinking about the kind of father you want to be.
- Be in the delivery room during the baby’s birth and be part of the delivery as much as possible.
- Help out with baby care such as late-night feedings, bathing, changing diapers, or soothing the baby to sleep.
- Finally, when you’re out and about, carry your baby close to your body in a carrier.
Sometimes, a father’s situation can affect his ability to bond with the new baby. For example:
- He might have lacked a positive parental role model during his childhood, has a history of depression or mental illness or lack of a social network to support him
- He might be experiencing a number of life stresses such as a difficult job, unemployment, financial troubles and marital problems.
The good news is that all these challenges can be overcome. Centre for Fathering is here to help you. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
By Parcsen Loke, Family Life Coach, Centre for Fathering. If you wish to contact Parcsen, please make an appointment at: calendly.com/iamparcsen.