Many struggle to bond with their newborns

New research from the NCT has found that approximately a third of new mothers struggle to bond with their new baby.  From among these women approximately 1 in 10 also find it difficult to discuss their concerns with their GP or midwife, or other healthcare professionals.

The research came during the first Infant Mental Health Awareness Week (6-10 June 2016) and builds on the NCT’s #BeyondBabyBlues campaign which encourages more open discussion about maternal mental health, and for families to seek help.

Louise Silverton, RCM Director of Midwifery, advises that “Women should not be worried about talking to their midwife about anxieties they may have over bonding with their baby. Midwives play a vital role in promoting bonding and are trained to offer important support to new mothers particularly in those early days of motherhood”

NCT Senior Policy Advisor, Elizabeth Duff said “We hope our research reassures new parents that they are not alone if they don’t instantly bond with their baby and that this can often take time”.

Read more here.