What emotional bond should a nurse promote for a first-time mother and her newborn?

Promoting mutual eye contact between a first-time mother and her newborn is crucial for establishing a strong emotional bond. This practice enhances the attachment process, allowing the mother to connect with her baby on a deeper level. Eye contact fosters feelings of love and security, encouraging the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the "bonding hormone." Such interaction is essential during the early stages of life as it aids in recognizing the child's cues and needs, ultimately facilitating a healthier attachment that is foundational for the child's emotional and social development.

While supporting physical recovery post-delivery is important for the mother's well-being, and ensuring adherence to a feeding schedule contributes to the infant's health, these actions do not directly enhance the emotional connection between mother and child. Open communication about parenting issues is valuable for the mother’s confidence and knowledge in her new role but does not specifically address the immediate emotional bonding that occurs through physical and eye contact. Thus, promoting mutual eye contact is the most direct way to nurture that essential emotional connection.