Bonding With Your Baby After Using an Egg Donor
When using an egg donor, it’s not uncommon for intended parents to feel concerned about whether they will be able to bond with their baby. Some people worry that since they have no genetic link to the child, building a connection with their baby will be difficult or impossible.
However, once the baby is born, people are typically elated to become parents. Intended parents who use an egg donor put so much effort into creating the family of their dreams — when these dreams finally come to fruition, suddenly the lack of a genetic link doesn’t seem as important as the emotional connection they’ve already made.
Still, it can be difficult to imagine yourself as a happy family in the future when you’re in the middle of your pregnancy or have just given birth. Here are some tips that can help you ease into the process of bonding with your egg donor baby.
Remember — What You’re Feeling Is Normal
Using an egg donor can be an emotionally challenging process, so it’s important to give yourself room to deal with what you’re feeling. Pregnancy and giving birth are also physically and mentally exhausting experiences, so it makes sense that you may be experiencing a wide range of emotions. Now is the perfect time to give yourself some grace – you earned it.
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to ask your partner or your support system for help so that you can take care of your mental health. Emotional wellness will not only help you feel better, but also make the bonding process easier.
During Pregnancy, Talk to Your Baby
When the baby is in utero, many parents talk to their baby. It is a great way to start the bonding process; not only will the baby hear you and start getting used to the sound of your voice, but it can also help you alleviate your anxieties. Sometimes when we talk aloud about something that’s bothering us, it facilitates our ability to process what we’re experiencing internally.
Celebrate the Little Moments
After your baby is born, he or she will begin to develop at a very fast rate. The simple acts of observing, tracking, and enjoying all these changes can help nourish the bonding process. Take every opportunity to adore your baby as he or she looks at things, kicks his or her legs, makes noises, and develops cognitive skills and motor coordination. Engage with your baby through touch, talk, and play to make the bonding process fun for both of you.
Parenthood is a learning process, and your bond with your baby will develop as time goes on. To learn more about becoming a parent through egg donation, contact the specialists at Fertility Source Companies today.
