Question
I have a question about bonding. We are first-time parents to a very lively and happy 17 month little girl. We struggled for years to become pregnant with two failed IVF attempts and through egg donation our daughter was conceived. This is something that only our very closest family members know.
She's a very friendly and interactive baby, she likes to wave at everybody she comes in contact with. She's never been clingy to me, absolutely will not sleep or even nap with me or anyone for that matter. Just kinda seems like she could either "take me or leave me" on most days. She's been very clingy to my mom lately as well but she only sees my mom maybe once a week, if that.
Yesterday my friend from work came over and met my daughter for the first time. My daughter woke from a nap and immediately wanted my friend to hold her. And wouldn't let her put her down and then cried hysterically when she left. She's never really done this with me. Is it possible that she hasn't bonded with me? I feel like I'm very nurturing to her with every minute we get to spend together. I had a very long and difficult labor, I wasn't able to breastfeed due to a breast reduction and I had to return to work full-time when she was 10 weeks old.
I'm just concerned that due to these factors she never really bonded with me...I feel silly even writing this but it's something that's bothered me for a while.
Thank you so much for your time, I feel better already .
