The University of Toronto released a study yesterday that reports the success of “kangaroo care” or skin-to-skin contact between mothers and their newborns immediately after birth. The researchers maintain that when newly born babies are laid upon their mother’s bare chest, not only is there an increased chance of breastfeeding, the pair will also breastfeed longer.
When I had both of my children, they were laid upon my chest straight away after their vitals were checked. Each time, I was thoroughly amazed when my daughters innately knew to go to my breasts and suckle. It was all so uncomplicated and natural. Breastfeeding is undoubtedly one of the biggest gifts I have had in my entire life. There is nothing better than knowing you can naturally nourish your offspring.
In this Denver, Colorado 1910 picture, however, while I cannot tell the real bonding process that would take place once the photographer put his camera down, it seems as though there is a distance present here. It looks like the mother, Hazel LaDora Rhoads, is longing to hold her own baby, but the nurse has ultimate control. I suppose that was the extent of maternal bonding after birth in those days.
How was your delivery and bonding experience?
Image Source: Western History/Genealogy Department, Denver Public Library
© 2009 Mothering Magazine