Your baby is here! They want you to be there: Some of the most decisive moments at emotional bonding with your baby are birth and the first hours after. The IPs should be the protagonists with the surrogate at birth. Participating in the moment of your baby's arrival is an indescribable sensation, a moment of pure joy and excitement. Ask the health personnel if you can be the one to cut the umbilical cord, put your baby's first clothes on, and accompany them during the golden hour or first feeding.

Be a kangaroo:Skin-to-skin contact, with or without a unique sling, is widely recommended as one of the best, if not the best, strategies for bonding with your baby. Holding your baby on your bare skin promotes physical contact, helps regulate your baby's body temperature, gets him used to your scent, and allows oxytocin, the hormone responsible for promoting your emotional bonding, to be released in both of you.

Stay close to your baby: Favor spaces of closeness with your baby from the newborn stage. You can try portage while doing your daily activities or working from home; this will keep your baby close to you and allow them to observe and learn from your actions. Provide adequate comfort when they cry, pay attention to their primary and emotional needs, and hold them whenever possible. Feed them with love and patience, look into their eyes when you talk or interact with them, smile when you feel happy, and don't be afraid to show all your emotions to them. Prioritize affection for your baby and yourself above anything else.

Observe closely: Get used to perceiving in detail the movements, behaviors, and reactions of your baby throughout their life; this will give you many lights and signals about their needs and how to satisfy them correctly. Trust your instinct; when you least expect it, you will be an expert on your child, giving confidence and security to both of you, favoring your love. Being attentive to your baby's needs is a crucial part of your role as a parent, and it will help you build a strong emotional bond.

Take your time: We know that the rest of the family may be very excited to meet your baby; however, we recommend you take some time alone with your baby and your partner (if you have one). This time is precious and should be cherished, as it allows you to get to know each other and adapt to the demands of the newest family member; it’ll favor the baby's attachment to their family and consolidate the emotional foundations for the rest of their life. Once you are all attached, it is time to include the others and initiate the social-emotional support networks in your family.