Keywords

attachment, bonding, parent/infant attachment, parent/infant bonding

 

Authors

  1. Franklin, Carol BSN, RNC

Abstract

Parent/infant attachment or bonding is a naturally occurring event that begins during the prenatal period. The feelings of attachment strengthen when fetal movement is felt and grow stronger with parent/infant interaction after birth. Parents who have a newborn requiring intensive care can have a disruption or delay in this attachment process. Neonatal nurses are in a unique position to assess this process and intervene to promote attachment behaviors.