The Power of the Emotional Bond with Newborns: How They Sense Their Mother’s Feelings

The emotional bond with your newborn is one of the most profound experiences you’ll have as a parent. It starts before your baby is even born and continues to grow as you nurture them through their earliest days. But have you ever thought about how deep that connection truly goes? And how you can preserve it for years to come through photography?

In this blog post, we’ll explore the science behind the emotional bond between a mother and her newborn, why it’s so vital for both the baby and the parent, and how capturing these moments through newborn photography helps keep that bond alive forever.

mum and newborn: how newborns sense their mothers

The Emotional Bond with Your Newborn: A Powerful Connection

Parenthood starts with an emotional journey like no other. From the first moments you meet your baby, the love you feel is overwhelming, and the bond that forms in the early days is unbreakable. But what makes the connection so special is that it’s not just about the love we feel for our babies; it’s also about how our babies feel about us. Newborns are highly sensitive to their environment, and one of the things they are incredibly sensitive to is their mother’s emotions.

The Science Behind Emotional Synchronisation

Researches in developmental psychology show that babies are born with finely tuned senses, capable of detecting changes in their mother’s emotions. Newborns are able to pick up on subtle shifts in their mother’s facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. These emotional cues from mum help babies feel safe, loved, and comforted—important elements that help newborns adapt to their new world outside the womb.

One fascinating study found that newborns can synchronize their breathing and heart rate with their mother’s when they are held close, skin-to-skin. This synchronisation is a type of emotional resonance, a natural bond that ensures the baby feels secure, creating a sense of comfort and trust. When babies feel their mother’s calm presence, they too become calm. On the flip side, if the mother is anxious, the baby may respond to those emotions as well.

Emotional Impact on Parenting and the Power of Presence

As parents, our emotional state has a profound effect on our babies. If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, your baby may mirror those emotions and become fussy or unsettled. On the other hand, when you’re calm and happy, your baby can feel that energy too, and they’re more likely to be content and relaxed.

It’s no wonder why it’s so important for new mothers to take care of their mental and emotional well-being, especially in the early days of parenthood. Positive and calm emotions are not only beneficial for the mother, but they help create a safe environment for the baby to thrive in. And while it’s completely normal to experience a mix of emotions during the adjustment to motherhood, knowing that your emotions have such an impact on your baby helps reinforce the importance of self-care.

Related article: How young Mums can better Care for their Babies and themselves

Mum cuddling her newborn baby during a photoshoot with Valentina, London baby photographer

Capturing the Connection Through Newborn Photography

As a newborn photographer, one of the most beautiful parts of my job is witnessing the intimate bond between a mother and her newborn. There’s something truly special about capturing those first moments of love, comfort, and connection. The closeness shared in a newborn photography session tells the story of a mother’s love and her baby’s comfort.

Through photography, I get to freeze those fleeting moments of emotional connection between mum and newborn, preserving them for the future. From a gentle touch to the shared gaze, these intimate moments are reminders of the unspoken bond that’s formed in the early days.

When you look back at photos from a newborn session, you are not just seeing images of a tiny baby in cute outfits or sweet poses. You’re seeing the emotional connection between mother and child—a bond that goes beyond words. As your baby grows, these photos become treasures, a way to relive the magic of the early days and a reminder of how deeply you’ve connected from the start.

How Photography Helps Reconnect Us with Those Early Moments

Many of us can relate to the feeling of wanting to capture every single moment of our baby’s life, but the reality is that those moments can slip away so quickly. Newborn photography helps preserve the most precious memories—memories that you will cherish forever.

What makes newborn photos so powerful is that they go beyond just documenting the baby’s appearance. They capture emotions, connections, and the first milestones of the parent-child journey. Whether it’s a photo of the baby gazing up at mum or a quiet moment of skin-to-skin contact, these images represent the love and bond that are so strong in those early days.

As parents, these photographs serve as a testament to the strength, beauty, and resilience of both mother and baby. They help us remember the emotional rollercoaster of becoming a parent and the profound connection that forms when you hold your little one in your arms.

Investing in newborn photography is not just about having beautiful images—it’s about capturing a meaningful moment in time. These photos are not just for you, but also for your child. As they grow older, they’ll look at these pictures and see the love and care that surrounded them in their earliest days. They’ll see the faces of the people who were there for them from the very beginning, and they’ll understand the bond that tied them together. Photography is a way to preserve the stories of our lives.

Related article: Storytelling: Photos that Capture the Heart and Soul

collage of photos of mums and their newborn during a newborn phot shoot in London

Conclusion

The emotional bond with your newborn is something truly magical. It’s a bond that goes beyond words and can be captured beautifully through photography. It’s a wonderful way to honour your journey as a parent and to ensure those precious moments are remembered for years to come.

Have you experienced a deep emotional connection with your newborn?

I’d love to hear your story in the comments below!

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I’ve never been a huge fan of Valentine’s Day - maybe because it’s also my name day (yes, in Italy that’s a thing!). But beyond that, I’ve always felt that love isn’t about just one day. It’s about all the little moments, the quiet gestures, and the everyday ways we show we care.

Love is precious, valuable, and worth celebrating every single day. When you have someone you truly cherish—whether a partner, a friend, or yourself—hold on to them tightly, through the big milestones and the quiet in-between moments.

So today, let’s celebrate love in all its forms. 

What’s one simple way you show love?

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This morning, I had the absolute pleasure of celebrating Galentine’s Day with the incredible women of @foundermums 

We took time to walk, talk, and connect - supporting each other as women, mums, and entrepreneurs. The morning ended with something truly special: a beautifully styled brunch, complete with stunning flowers and décor by @tipiangels and @fentonyardflowers, @shimmerandsoiree and delicious food and drinks provided by @stiritupmealkits and @bringthebabida.

And of course, I was honoured to capture the magic through my lens. It was a morning full of laughter, inspiration, and empowerment - just what Galentine’s is all about.

Here’s to the power of women supporting women! ✨

Sending love to all my fellow mums and friends today - how are you celebrating your own connections this month?

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Reading your kind words fills my heart with so much joy! 

One of my greatest hopes for every session is that it feels like more than just a photoshoot. I want it to be an experience you treasure - a memory in itself.

I understand how overwhelming life can feel sometimes, especially with little ones. That’s why I create a space where you can relax, slow down, and just be yourself. It’s your time to connect with your loved ones. And those little moments - your baby grabbing your finger or curling up perfectly in your arms - those are the memories I aim to capture. 
Because these fleeting days deserve to be celebrated and preserved forever.

Yesterday, I shared my love with a complimentary matted print offer for February bookings. 

Today, I’d love if you could share some love with me. If you’ve recently visited my studio or worked with me in the past year, I’d truly appreciate it if you left a review on Google. 

Your feedback means the world to me, and it helps my small business grow and reach more families like yours. Thank you for your continued support! 

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February: The month of love! 💕

This month, I want to share some love with all my amazing clients. For February only, I’m offering a complimentary stunning matted print when you book a session—whether it's newborn, maternity, or family—the choice is yours!

If you're expecting a spring or summer baby, now is the perfect time to plan your session and take advantage of this special offer. Imagine holding a beautiful print of your precious memories, ready to display and cherish forever.

Don’t wait—let’s create something unforgettable together. 
DM me or click the link in my bio for more info and to book your session. 

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Are you welcoming a new little one in 2025? Whether it’s your first baby or you're growing your family, announcing your pregnancy is such a special and magical moment! 

Here are some creative ways to share your exciting news with loved ones:

Tiny Shoes: line up your family's shoes and add a pair of baby booties to the lineup—a sweet, visual surprise.

Surprise in the Family Photo: plan a family photo session and subtly include a baby onesie or a little shoe. Watch their reactions when they notice!

Big Sibling Alert: if you have kids or a pet, let them take center stage. Use a sign or T-shirt that says, “Big Brother” or “Big Sister”

A Special Gift Box: surprise loved ones with a keepsake box that includes an ultrasound photo, a tiny onesie, and a card with your due date.

Video Highlights: put together a short video documenting moments like your positive test, an ultrasound, or your growing bump.

Which idea is your favourite?  Or, if you've already shared your big news, how did you announce it?
Let me know in the comments.

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VALE@PHOTOGRAPHYBYVALENTINA.COM

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LONDON NEWBORN & MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHER

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