Issue link: http://hvparent.uberflip.com/i/353543
12 Hudson Valley Parent Q 2012 Baby Guide F rom the first time I heard my baby's heart beat I was in love. Although I loved my baby very much, bonding proved to be a tough job. From the moment your baby is born, there are plenty of opportu- nities to strengthen your bond and connect with each other. Keep in mind, bonding with your baby is a process that continually develops, over time. Be engaging The most effective way to bond with your baby is through skin-to- skin contact, which is why breast- feeding remains a popular bonding method for new moms. "When you breastfeed your baby, she's engaging all of her senses to experience you," says Donna Bruschi, lactation consultant at New Baby New Paltz. Touch is a crucial part of the bonding process. In fact, Bruschi advises new moms to place their newborns on their chest immedi- ately following childbirth to jump start the bonding process. "Interestingly enough, many babies will smell their mothers and instinctively seek out the nipple, initiating breastfeeding on their own." For Michelle Pier, mother of one, breastfeeding was a special time to connect with her son, Sebastian. "Some of my favorite moments were his early morning feedings. Afterwards, we would cuddle in bed, just the two of us." Although Michelle looks back fondly at their special time together, breastfeeding came with challenges. "At about three weeks, I wanted to quit, but I pushed myself to keep going. Breastfeeding was one thing I really wanted to do for my baby and eventually it got easier." Avoid distractions After a particularly difficult childbirth, many women will feel disconnected from their babies; these feelings could inhibit the Tie those apron strings tight Hudson Valley moms share their baby bonding stories Touch is a crucial part of the bonding process for Danielle Pogozelski and her twins, Brayden and Blaise. By ANGELICA SEREDA