3.4 The loving relationship
Bonding
This is the beginning of a loving relationship between mothers/birthing parents and their newborns. The infant appears to play his part in the establishment of these bonds by actively interacting with his parents. Following an initial cry at birth, the infant becomes quietly alert and seeks visual contact, massages the mother/the birthing parent's chest and breasts, latches, and breastfeeds. The high blood levels of beta-endorphins, oxytocin, and prolactin in both mother/birthing parent and infant facilitate falling in love.

© T. Foster
For this to occur the following factors have to be in place and considered. These are all influenced by the birth attendants.
- the availability of the infant to their mother/birthing parent,
- an environment conducive to mother/birthing parent and child interaction, and
- the attitude of those present at the delivery to the appearance of the infant
What about the baby who will not be breastfed? Skin-to-skin is important for all infants, including those who are planned to be breastfed. Breastfeeding initiation is only one of the benefits of immediate and continuous skin-to-skin contact following birth.
What should I remember?
- The interpretation of Step 4 of the Ten Steps
- The immediate care of the newborn following birth AND where it should take place
- The many important functions that skin-to-skin contact on the mother/birthing parent's chest has for both themself and their infant
- How you could address the barriers to skin-to-skin care should your colleagues be concerned
Skills Competency
If you are working with families in the area of birth and immediate postpartum, please take the time to download and review the information in the skills competency. You can then ask a colleague or supervisor to confirm your competencies in this area related to knowledge, skills, and attitude.
When you have successfully completed this topic and practiced what you have learned you will be ready to do your Skills Competency. Click on the title of this box to download Domain 4 Birth and Immediate Postpartum (Skin-to-skin) competency form for you to complete with your Supervisor.