A new mother avoids eye contact with her newborn. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Ask the mother why she won't look at the infant.
• B. Observe the mother for other attachment behaviors.
• C. Examine the newborn's eyes for the ability to focus.
• D. Recognize this as a common reaction in new mothers.

Answer: (B)

Assessing mother–infant bonding relies on observing a range of attachment cues rather than judging a single behavior. When a new mother avoids eye contact, the best next step is to watch for other attachment behaviors to see how the bonding process is progressing. This nonintrusive observation helps determine whether the mother is engaging with the infant through talking, responding to cries, holding, soothing, and reciprocal interactiveness, which collectively indicate bonding development or highlight areas where support may be needed.

Asking the mother why she won’t look at the infant can put her on the spot and may not reveal the underlying needs or feelings at this moment. Examining the newborn’s eyes for focus isn’t relevant to assessing attachment between mother and baby. Assuming it’s just a common reaction can overlook potential concerns such as fatigue, stress, or mood changes that could affect bonding. Observing for a pattern of attachment behaviors provides a clearer, more supportive picture.