4 Steps To Strengthen Mother And Child Bonding With Skin-to-Skin Contact

JAKARTA Bonding is an intense emotional bond between mothers and children, even from the time they are pregnant. Bonding has an important role that affects children's growth and development. A strong bond from mothers makes children feel safe, comfortable, able to increase confidence and build a positive identity.

But nowadays, especially in big cities, Mothers often face situations that may not be comfortable, thus reducing bonding with children. Whereas Mothers have many invaluable roles in maintaining family integrity - both as housewives and working mothers. Emotions that arise from mothers by various factors, without realizing it, can be transmitted to children and have a negative impact on parenting, fulfilling children's needs, and establishing emotional attachments between mothers and children.

Orissa Rinjani, Educational Psychologist said that there are challenges in itself when a mother chooses to work. Data shows that although my father's involvement in the parenting process increases, mothers still hold a larger portion and role related to children's and domestic needs. Therefore, it is important for modern mothers to realize and receive: not everything we expect is perfect at the same time. At a certain time, children become a priority, at other times, work is a priority," he said in a media statement received Tuesday, January 3.

Then how important is the touch of mothers for children? Here are some tips for bonding through skin-to-skin contact between mothers and children as a guide for modern mothers today:

1. Start skin-to-skin contact from the start. When pregnant to childbirth, mothers have a unique emotional bond with their children. Then start a soft massage immediately after the birth period to help strengthen emotional bonds, as well as the warmth that is known and will be remembered by the child. For example, by placing the baby above the mother's chest so that the baby is able to recognize the body's aroma and hear the sound of the mother's heartbeat.

2. Schedule skin-to-skin rituals regularly and consistently to increase strong bonding with the child. Take advantage of the morning and evening moments after bathing, as well as the time before bed, proceed by channeling special conversations of babies and children to provide longer warmth on the neck, chest and stomach area above the navel clockwise, coupled with smooth massages on the back.

3. Talk gently to children, choose a quiet time and pay attention to the comfort of mothers and children during the skin-to-skin session. Avoid noise or noise that can interfere with the moment. Mother's hands, coupled with the mother's voice, can provide comfort and safety for children.

4. Breastfeeding while hugging or hugging. Breastfeeding is another most effective way to establish a strong inner bond between mother and child after childbirth. Especially if it is done while hugging, stroking, and guiding. Bersenandung can be a way for children to recognize the mother's voice. Do it while looking into the baby's eyes with an overflow of love.

"Positive touch from loved ones, such as patting, stroking, holding hands, intriguing, hugging, kissing and guiding children physically, is shown to increase intimacy and psychological and physical closeness between individuals," Orissa concluded.

Make this moment a touch to remember and irreplaceable for children. This warmth can be the foundation of a sense of security, self-confidence, and legacy for children in the future.