What is one key indicator of effective maternal-infant bonding?

A key indicator of effective maternal-infant bonding is the mother's engagement and responsiveness to her infant. This involves the mother actively interacting with her baby, responding to their needs, and being attuned to their emotional and physical cues. Such engagement is crucial in establishing a secure attachment, which is characterized by mutual affection and trust. When a mother is responsive—through eye contact, touch, and vocalizations—it fosters a nurturing environment that supports the infant's emotional development and reassures them of their safety and care.

Engagement and responsiveness not only strengthen the emotional connection between mother and infant but also promote positive developmental outcomes for the baby. This interaction provides a foundation for healthy attachment styles, which can influence the infant's future relationships and emotional regulation.

While other factors—such as a mother’s communication with healthcare staff, the infant's weight gain, and sleep patterns—are relevant in the postpartum context, they do not directly reflect the dynamics of bonding as effectively as the mother’s active engagement with her child. Weight gain in the infant is certainly a sign of health, and sleep patterns can indicate a level of comfort, but neither reflects the emotional connection and responsiveness that defines effective bonding.