One of the biggest fears that intended parents have is the possibility that they won't bond with their babies. Parents of a baby born via surrogacy don't carry them in their uterus which is how most parents establish a strong emotional and physical connection with newborns but this does not mean that you, as an intended parent, have a weaker bond with your little one because there is the way to embrace your baby - Skin-to-Skin Contact.

Skin to skin contact is defined as placing a naked baby, not  wrapped in a blanket, to your bared chest. Most researchers recommend that this be done as soon as possibly following delivery. When babies are held naked against their mother’s skin, it is the closest they can get to being back in the warmth and security of the womb. 

Having a surrogate birth does not need to complicate your desires to engage in immediate and prolonged skin-to-skin contact following birth. However, it means that your should plan the process ahead. Make sure you wear clothing that enables ease of contact. Plan to wear  button up shirts, and intended mothers can also bring additional blankets or sweaters to provide any desired modesty.

Apart from bonding, skin-to-skin contact has the following advantages:

• Improvement in heart and lung function
• Stabilization of body temperature
• Regulation of blood sugar
• Decreasing separation anxiety
• Transfer of good bacteria
• Relief from pain
• Reduce in crying

Keep in mind that bonding starts with hugs, cuddles and love.