My baby is 13 days old and is still in hospital. At first I didn't worry about the bonding because I thought she was only going to be there a few days. Now nearly two weeks later, with at least another week in hospital, I am concerned about bonding with her. She has assisted at over 1,000 births and is currently teaching in the nurse-midwifery program at the University of Minnesota. Bonding studies were primarily done using animal observation and modeling.
Animals use instinct, sense of smell, licking behaviors etc. to identify and bond to their young.
When you are dealing with short attention spans, poorly developed memory, and relatively low intellectual capabilities, which characterize animals, the parent-offspring bond must be rapidly and acutely developed. Your baby has heard your voice throughout the pregnancy. You know she is yours and you love her already. You have been with her all that time in the hospital. She will know you when she gets home, and although you and she will need some time adapting to each other's needs and cycles, the parent-child bond is stronger than the limitations you have experienced.