Bonding & Attachment
The immediate emotional connection parents often feel for their newborn.
What is bonding?
The postpartum phase in the first 24–48 hours when the mother focuses on sleep and bodily needs.
What is the taking‑in phase?
Older children's behavioral changes when a newborn joins the family.
What is sibling adaptation?
A temporary period of mood swings and tearfulness during the first week postpartum.
What are the postpartum blues?
Crying, rooting, and changes in activity are examples of these signals.
What are infant cues?
The long‑term reciprocal relationship built through repeated nurturing interactions.
What is attachment?
The period when mothers seek reassurance and begin actively learning newborn care.
What is the taking‑hold phase?
The adjustment partners undergo as they redefine roles after birth.
What is couple dyad adjustment?
A persistent mood disorder requiring treatment due to prolonged sadness or anxiety.
What is postpartum depression?
The infant's inherent behavioral style, such as “easy” or “slow‑to‑warm‑up.”
What is temperament?
When parents point out physical or personality traits that resemble family members.
What is claiming?
The phase where the mother integrates her new role and adjusts family dynamics.
What is the letting‑go phase?
When extended family members negotiate new expectations and boundaries.
What is grandparent adaptation?
A rare, severe postpartum condition with hallucinations or delusions.
What is postpartum psychosis?
An infant smile that occurs in response to interaction rather than reflex.
What is a social smile?
Coordinated back‑and‑forth responses between infant and parent.
What is synchrony?
The progressive process of gaining confidence and competence as a mother.
What is maternal role attainment?
This common sibling reaction may involve regression or increased clinginess.
What is sibling jealousy?
Mothers with this condition often feel disconnected from their baby and overwhelmed for weeks.
What is postpartum depression?
Infant movements that synchronize with the parent's voice.
What is entrainment?
The process in which parents gradually learn their infant’s unique cues and behaviors.
What is acquaintance?
The nursing theory that explains stages mothers move through to develop their maternal identity.
What is Mercer’s Theory of Maternal Role Attainment?
Partners’ gradual development of confidence and connection with the infant.
What is partner/father role transition?
The risk factor category including prior mental health disorders, limited support, and stressful life events.
What are psychosocial risk factors?
The process in which caregivers respond appropriately to infant cues, creating a trust‑building exchange.
What is reciprocity?