When birth and bonding do not happen concurrently

When many of us think about bonding with a baby, the image that is evoked is that of holding your baby just after birth, falling immediately in love as they gaze up at you. Or perhaps, you see a quiet babymooning moment, snuggled up with your little one, an innate feeling of togetherness within. These messages are part of the cultural paradigm that you have been provided -- and that we as individuals shape -- surrounding birth and parenting. However, creating a bond with a baby may not happen immediately and automatically.