Mother- Infant Bonding Disorders

Normal bonding between mother and infant takes some time to establish. The mother has to get to know her baby’s rhythms and the baby has to feel comfortable with the mother. In most situations the mother and baby get acquainted with each other gradually and feelings towards the baby become stronger within a few weeks. Occasional feelings of irritability or anger especially if the baby is cranky are quite normal and should not be taken seriously.

Advice to women who feel they have bonding problems:

• Get some help with infant care and try to be with your baby when she is least demanding so that infant care does not become a chore.
• Try massaging your baby with oil or lotion. This is found to be soothing for the mother and the baby.
• Sing to your baby or gently rock the baby when baby is calm. These activities will help you get more positive thoughts about your baby.
• Try not to do all the household chores entirely by yourself, at the same time take some breaks from infant care.

In some mothers however this problem may be more and mother reports feelings such as-

•    I don’t have any feelings for my baby
•    I get very angry with him
•    I try to leave all the baby care to my mother/mother in law
•    I don’t get any pleasure in taking care of my baby
•    Breastfeeding is a chore
  

As mentioned earlier, occasional thoughts are normal and resolve with reassurance and time. They may also be related to tiredness or lack of sleep. However, if they persist, it may indicate an underlying depression or a bonding disorder.

Bonding disorders are treatable and need attention. Treatment is usually psychological unless depression or psychosis is detected which will then need treatment.