MATERNAL CHILD BONDING

Mrs. Anita F. Lopes, MSNPrincipal, Cardinal Gracias Memorial Hospital, Uday Ger School of NursingMATERNAL CHILD BONDING

Mother gives life

Maternal Love is the essence of HumanityHumanity : Being human is alive today due to maternal love

Thematernal bond(ormotherly bond) is typically therelationship between amotherand herchild.Meaning: Maternal Infant Bonding means the core relationship between mother and childDefinition: Maternal Infant Bonding means the reciprocal relationship between mother and child

Attachment: By John Bowlby Attachment behaviour is any form of behaviour which results in person obtaining or retaining proximity to a differentiated or preferred individual.

While it typically occurs due topregnancyandchildbirth, it may also occur between a woman and an unrelated child, such as inadoption. There are hundreds of potential factors, both physical and emotional, which can influence the mother-childbondingprocess.

Many new mothers do not always experience the "instantly-in-mother-love" emotions. Bonding is a gradually unfolding experience that can take hours, days, weeks, or even months to develop.

Bonding during PregnancyStarts at ConceptionDevelops feeling at 18-22 weeks when experiences fetal movementsWhen visualizes baby during USGHears fetal heart sound on Doppler

Bonding during Pregnancy

Baby responds in uterus to mothers touch, heart beat, voiceStrong bond by: 7th monthCan sing, chant prayers, keep hand on abdomen, talk to the baby. Meeting health needs of mother

Fathers Role During PregnancyMaintaining healthy communication with mother Keeping stress free environment.Accompanying for Antenatal VisitsAccompanying for USG

Implications of BondingHelps to develop social ties and personal relationships. Development of Childs personalityFeeling of being loved, accepted and worthyFeelings of Security

Implications of BondingDevelopment of Identity as individualDevelops self confidenceDevelops discipline in life

Developmental Sequence in Bonding First step: The infant develops a sense of individuation as a result of his own hunger pains, his sensation of warmth and cold, his visual perceptions.

Second step: the infant develops social responsiveness so he can discriminate between people & inanimate objects

Third Step : the child emits social responses-smiling, cooing, Develops sense of trust which is basic to close interpersonal relationship.

Factors affecting Developmental sequenceChilds state ( stable & distinguishable behavioural pattern of infant)Mothers well being post delivery. Anesthetics Age, Education, Socio economic status, Unemployment, her personal relationships, her upbringing, cultural beliefsPresent & Past experience of Mother during pregnancy.

At Risk: towards bond developmentEarly pregnancyUnwanted pregnancy, Maternal AbuseMultiple birthsInadequate family supportProlonged separation after delivery

Effects of Poor BondingPersonality disordersPsychiatric disorders: Schizophrenia, Paranoid Disorders, DepressionsEmotionally Unstable

Assisting in BondingPregnancy Rooming In: Skin to Skin, Eye to Eye contact.KMC: Mothers warmthBreastfeeding: babys facial expression, Talking to the baby, smiling, cuddlingResponding to baby cry: communication.Maternal /Parent CounselingFamily support

Recognizing healthy signs of BondingQuietens by Mothers touch when the basic needs are metChild is excited ( Smiles & coos) at site of the MotherDisplays actions to be picked by motherDisplays comfort in mothers presenceTurns away from strangers when in arms of the motherDisplays separation anxiety.

Challenges of working mothersQuality Time Vs Quantity TimeSacrifice your family for workNon- Supportive Family members/ Un- co-operative husbandMeeting needs of family & infant after coming homeDomestic help issues

Challenges of working mothersChildrens safety??? Creche/Empty homeInflexible working hoursUn co-operative Office Members/ BossFeelings of Guilt: Incapable mother feeling/ Helpless/ Frustration/ Depression/ TirednessNo time for self careEducation needs???Childrens Sickness

Ultimate Reward:???

THANK YOU