Caring for a tiny new being can be daunting at first, but new parents should concentrate immediately after birth on creating a strong bond between parent and child.
The Nemours Foundation offers these suggestions:
Each parent should spend time holding baby directly against the skin.
Gently rub or stroke baby’s skin in various motions.
Try some gentle infant massage techniques. You can learn how from a book, or from your pediatrician.
Talk, sing, coo or babble to your baby, so the infant gets used to the sound of your voice.
Listen to relaxing music together.