| Copyright (c) 2007 Liddle Kidz Infant and Children's | | | | rather quickly, as they generally accept and attach to |
| Pediatric Massage | | | | new parents. Parents also tend to quickly bond with |
| Many families are concerned about attaching and | | | | their new child through the process of providing the |
| bonding with their new baby after adoption. If you | | | | regular care he or she needs, through playing and |
| are concerned, you are not alone. However, | | | | communicating together with their child, and by |
| observation and research shows that adoptive | | | | showing attention and affection. |
| families can form bonds as successfully as biological | | | | After adoption, bonding is a parent initiated learning |
| families. The period from birth through three years of | | | | experience. No matter the child's age, parents who |
| age is the most favorable time for children to form a | | | | are proactive in developing a bond with their child |
| bond with their families. However, adoptive parents | | | | create an ongoing respectful and positive relationship. |
| have no need for undue concern as we also know | | | | Adoptive parents need a variety of techniques to |
| developing a bond with an adopted child is not unlike | | | | facilitate the bonding experience. Responding to the |
| the process of building one with a biological child, it | | | | child's needs in a compassionate, loving and sensitive |
| develops over time. | | | | way encourages trust and recognition that the child is |
| One of the first issues a new adoptive family faces | | | | worthy of unconditional love. Responding to the child's |
| is how well it will come together to become a family | | | | needs in a loving way leads to an increased sense of |
| unit. It is vital that all family members bond with each | | | | trust, security and a reduction in anxiety. |
| other and recognize one another as valuable | | | | For some families infant massage can play an |
| members of their family. Together they should work | | | | important role in encouraging their bond. Maintaining |
| to develop caring, committed relationships. | | | | eye contact and loving touch promote a sense of |
| For adoptive parents concerned about the bonding | | | | being cared for and accepted. Through the use of |
| process, it is best not to force the bond with your | | | | infant massage parents learn to become more |
| baby, but rather to take your time, adopting a | | | | attuned to their baby's unique and individual forms of |
| positive and patient understanding that bonding will | | | | communication. It can help parents to understand |
| occur over time will help in this process. Introducing | | | | their baby's cues and respond appropriately. And of |
| dependable care and regular routines will help your | | | | course having skin to skin contact through the use of |
| child to feel more comfortable, recognize what to | | | | loving touch, can help the family's bond to strengthen |
| expect, and what is expected of him as well. | | | | and grow! |
| For many adopted infants, bonding tends to occur | | | | |