{"id":305,"date":"2022-05-18T11:07:59","date_gmt":"2022-05-18T10:07:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/pairs\/bonding\/"},"modified":"2022-06-08T13:44:42","modified_gmt":"2022-06-08T12:44:42","slug":"bonding","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/pairs\/bonding\/","title":{"rendered":"Bonding"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The most important thing you can give your baby is your presence, \u2018being with\u2019 and enjoying them.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/pairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2022\/05\/3-2_ToddlerKissMum.jpg\" alt=\"Young girl kissing mum\" class=\"wp-image-438\" srcset=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/pairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2022\/05\/3-2_ToddlerKissMum.jpg 300w, https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/pairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2022\/05\/3-2_ToddlerKissMum-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Babies love to communicate with their parents and for you to communicate with them. They are hard wired to connect with you from birth. Holding, comforting, talking, singing, feeding, and playing with your baby are all ways you can bond and build a connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How can I build my bond with my baby?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Respond to your baby.<\/strong> You can\u2019t \u201cspoil\u201d babies with too much attention and you won\u2019t create bad habits by responding to them. Research has found that parents who are \u2018tuned in\u2019 and respond sensitively actually support positive brain development. By responding to their needs over time, your baby will become secure and confident.<\/li><li>Try to understand what your baby is communicating to you by their behaviour. See our website section on <a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/pairs\/understanding-your-baby-baby-states\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"304\">understanding your baby and baby states<\/a> which you might find to be a helpful guide.<\/li><li>For some babies, particularly in the first few months after birth, they are happiest being held by their parents. Baby slings and carriers are one way you can meet your babies need for closeness, whilst also allowing you to have a spare pair of hands! Over time as they adjust to the world they may not need to be held as much.<\/li><li><strong>Trust your instincts<\/strong> and be led by your baby, observe, and follow their cues. They are the experts on what they need, and you will be become the expert on them. No book or website will be able to guide you more than your baby themselves! &nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Use times throughout the day<\/strong> such as when you are feeding and changing baby\u2019s nappy to look into your baby\u2019s eyes, smile, and talk to them. &nbsp;As your baby gets older you can try simple games and looking at puzzles, toys and books with them.<\/li><li><strong>Babies love hearing human voices<\/strong> but particularly their parents\u2019 voice. Talk to them as much as you can, even if just about everyday things that you are doing. Singing is also a great way to communicate with your baby (your baby will love your singing voice whatever the quality!!). This will also help their language development.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why is it important to bond with my baby?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>\u201cBabies\u2019 brains double in size within the first year of life. One million neural connections are formed every second during this time\u2026\u201d<\/li><li>\u201cOur environments play a crucial role in shaping the developing brain in the first 1001 days.\u201d<\/li><li>\u201cAfter birth sensitive, responsive interactions and loving relationships with caregivers are particularly important for early development\u201d<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The First 1001 Days. Evidence Brief: An age of opportunity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Positive early relationships have been linked with positive outcomes later in childhood such as a child\u2019s ability to manage emotions, friendships and cope with various stressors throughout their life. In this short video, Dr Suzanne Zeedyk explains why doing the little things together with your baby is so important for brain development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Why doing the little things together with your baby is so important\" width=\"1520\" height=\"855\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/WK2xOwAhfXY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption>Why doing the little things together with your baby is so important<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>There is a particular type of interaction which scientists have called the \u2018serve and return\u2019 that helps to build a healthy brain. &nbsp;This includes everyday activities many parents are likely to do with their baby such as naming an object the baby is pointing to. If you would like to know more about this watch this video:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"5 Steps for Brain-Building Serve and Return\" width=\"1520\" height=\"855\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/KNrnZag17Ek?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption>5 steps for brain-building serve and return<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if I am struggling to bond with my baby?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Many parents find it difficult to bond with their baby for a wide range of reasons.&nbsp; If you feel you are struggling to bond with your baby, talk to your health visitor who should be able to listen and support you, as well as possibly suggesting some ideas\/things that might help.&nbsp; Your health visitor is the named person for any concerns up until your child starts school. If you do not know who your health visitor is, then contact your GP surgery and they will be able to advise you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Visit Parent Club: Helping your baby feel connected also have some other helpful top tips and videos. <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.parentclub.scot\/articles\/helping-your-baby-feel-connected\" target=\"_blank\">Helping your baby feel connected | Parent Club<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Parent and baby bonding: &#039;Getting it right from the start&#039;. Tameside Early Attachment Service\" width=\"1333\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8isPZ8JYTR8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption>Getting it right from the start<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/pairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2022\/05\/3-2_MumLiftingToddler.jpg\" alt=\"Mum holing young laughing boy aloft\" class=\"wp-image-437\" srcset=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/pairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2022\/05\/3-2_MumLiftingToddler.jpg 300w, https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/pairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2022\/05\/3-2_MumLiftingToddler-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Find out more about bonding with your baby during pregnancy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/pairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2022\/05\/BondingWithYourBabyBeforeBirth.pdf\">Bonding with your Baby Before Birth &#8211; Brazelton Centre UK Leaflet<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zerotothree.org\/resources\/1837-bonding-with-your-baby-before-birth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bonding With Your Baby Before Birth \u2022 ZERO TO THREE<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To learn more about the importance of those every day moments see <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zerotothree.org\/resources\/230-responsive-care-nurturing-a-strong-attachment-through-everyday-moments\" target=\"_blank\">Responsive Care: Nurturing a Strong Attachment Through Everyday Moments \u2022 ZERO TO THREE<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The most important thing you can give your baby is your presence, &lsquo;being with&rsquo; and enjoying them. Babies love to communicate with their parents and for you to communicate with them. They are hard wired to connect with you from birth. Holding, comforting, talking, singing, feeding, and playing with your baby are all ways you<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":830,"parent":0,"menu_order":7,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/featfull.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"class_list":["post-305","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"rttpg_featured_image_url":{"full":["https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/pairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2022\/06\/final-header-10.jpg",1920,300,false],"landscape":["https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/pairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2022\/06\/final-header-10.jpg",1920,300,false],"portraits":["https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/pairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2022\/06\/final-header-10.jpg",1920,300,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/pairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2022\/06\/final-header-10-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/pairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2022\/06\/final-header-10-300x47.jpg",300,47,true],"large":["https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/pairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2022\/06\/final-header-10-1024x160.jpg",1024,160,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/pairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2022\/06\/final-header-10-1536x240.jpg",1536,240,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/pairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2022\/06\/final-header-10.jpg",1920,300,false],"post_slider_thumbnail":["https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/pairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2022\/06\/final-header-10-1520x238.jpg",1520,238,true]},"rttpg_author":{"display_name":"NHS Lothian","author_link":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/pairs\/author\/nhs-lothian\/"},"rttpg_comment":0,"rttpg_category":false,"rttpg_excerpt":"The most important thing you can give your baby is your presence, &lsquo;being with&rsquo; and enjoying them. Babies love to communicate with their parents and for you to communicate with them. They are hard wired to connect with you from birth. Holding, comforting, talking, singing, feeding, and playing with your baby are all ways you","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/pairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/305","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/pairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/pairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/pairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/pairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=305"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/pairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/305\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":815,"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/pairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/305\/revisions\/815"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/pairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/830"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/pairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=305"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/pairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=305"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}