Bonding with your baby is perhaps one of the most exciting parts of being a new parent. Since much of this initial bonding happens with the child in the womb, intended parents may wonder if they can still achieve the same connection with their child when he or she is born via surrogacy. Though the process will look a little different, there are plenty of ways to bond with your baby during the pregnancy and when you finally come home with your child.

1. Be Involved in the Pregnancy

As much as you can, try to be involved in the pregnancy process right along with your surrogate. This can mean going with her to doctor appointments or just spending some time together away from the hospital. This is helpful for bonding after childbirth because even though you are not experiencing the pregnancy yourself, your surrogate will more than likely be happy to keep you involved every step of the way and you’ll feel more involved in the pregnancy.

2. Talk to the Baby

When you meet with your surrogate, don’t be afraid to talk to the baby. A big part of mother and baby connection is the baby hearing the mother’s voice in vitro. Throughout the surrogacy process, let your baby hear your voice as much as possible. If it’s challenging to meet with your surrogate as often as you’d like, send her an audio recording of your voice to play for the baby, use speakerphone, or voice chat software.

3. Apply the Power of Touch

The more physical contact you have with your baby after he or she is born, the stronger your bond will be. Though a lot of this happens naturally as you change, bathe, and feed your baby, many parents also provide what’s known as “kangaroo care.” It simply involves holding your baby against you with skin-to-skin contact, and works just as well for fathers as it does mothers. Oftentimes, pulling your little one close in this manner is the fastest way to soothe him or her during fussy moments, so even if it feels a little odd at first, it will become natural.

4. Ease Into It

Lastly, it’s important to remember that your bond with your baby is incredibly special. Take your time easing into the transition of parenthood. Remember that you are this child’s parent and that your child will develop a special bond with you over time. Every parent brings something a little different to the table, so even if you aren’t parenting exactly like your significant other, like your friends, or like your parents did, that’s ok. How you parent will be unique to you and will shape your relationship with the little one, but you have a lifetime to work out the logistics of it.

Start Your Surrogacy Journey with SPS

If you are curious about building a family through surrogacy, start by contacting Surrogate Parenting Services. Experienced professionals at SPS will help you build your family by guiding you through every step of the process, from meetings to matching to the day of delivery. Our trusted mentors, many of which have gone through the process themselves, are here for you to answer any questions you may have about surrogacy. For more information, contact SPS at (949) 397-6855 today.