Why Baby Bonding Matters More Than Baby Gear with Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie Artwork

Her Village

Her Village Podcast

This is the space where real women have real conversations — the ones we don’t always say out loud, but all feel in some way.

Hosted by Jacqueline Baird, this podcast goes beyond surface-level talk and into the stories, struggles, and moments that shape us — in motherhood, relationships, identity, and everything in between.

Through a mix of personal reflections and honest conversations with other women, each episode is designed to leave you feeling seen, understood, and a little less alone… while also giving you new perspective, insight, and the kind of validation you didn’t know you needed.

Because you’re not the only one thinking it.
And you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

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Her Village

Why Baby Bonding Matters More Than Baby Gear with Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie

May 29, 2025 • Jacqueline Baird • Season 5 • Episode 103

0:00 | 1:10:28

In this episode, Jacqueline sits down with Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie, a neonatologist and AAP spokesperson, to explore what truly builds a strong foundation between parents and their newborns. From NICU realities to bonding after surrogacy, this episode is a science-meets-heart deep dive into connection, communication, and ditching the pressure to “do it all.”

What you’ll learn:

Why bonding isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence
How early relational health impacts brain development
The science behind skin-to-skin contact and kangaroo care
What to know about birth plans, baby gear, and bonding expectations
How babies communicate through crying and cooing
The truth about sleep training, co-sleeping, and newborn needs
Why it’s okay if love doesn’t happen “at first sight”
How your baby benefits from your support system
Misconceptions about newborn needs and bonding “rules”
Why “you are enough” matters more than anything else

Questions answered in this episode:

What happens in the brain when a baby bonds with a caregiver?
Is it possible to bond deeply if you didn’t carry your baby?
Does skin-to-skin actually do anything physiologically?
What should you do if bonding doesn’t happen right away?
Are birth plans helpful—or harmful?
Is it okay if I’m not a “baby-wearing mom”?
Can babies really communicate through different cries?
What’s the science behind co-sleeping or sleep training?
How can parents build trust and resilience in their baby?
What do newborns really need most from us?

Connect with Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie:

Instagram: @jopargalinkiemd
Book: The Baby Bonding Book: Connecting with Your Newborn
AAP Parent Resource: HealthyChildren.org

Connect with the podcast:

Facebook: Motherhood Intended Community
Instagram: @motherhood_intended
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