Bonding and connection with our babies can begin long before we meet them.
From the first knowing to that little flutter that becomes a full on kick. We rub our bellies, imagine what our babies might look like, wonder about holding them in our arms, or begin calling them by name. These are all ways we begin getting to know our babies, sometimes without realizing it.
But connection doesn't always happen immediately or without effort. Circumstances surrounding pregnancy, birth, or welcoming a baby can influence how and when bonding happens.
I've always valued infant massage as a way to support bonding. Nurturing touch allows us to slow down and get to know our babies. But through my experiences with each of my children and supporting other families, I've learned that sometimes we need a little more. Encouragement, information, reassurance, or an invitation to try something different.
Bonding looks different for every parent, every baby, and every relationship. And that understanding is what led me to create Familiar.
Feel and Explore
Caring for a baby is a transition, and with that transition can come many emotions.
How we're feeling, what we're experiencing, and the way we see ourselves can influence how we connect with others, including our babies. Sometimes, we need space to acknowledge those feelings. To reflect on our experiences, explore new perspectives, or find resources that help us better understand ourselves.
It may sound like personal work, separate from bonding with your baby, but I believe the two are connected. This is why Familiar goes beyond activities for parents and babies to do together. It also includes opportunities to reflect, write, and explore.
Introducing Familiar
Familiar is a digital parent and baby bonding card deck created through Jua. It includes two complementary decks that can be used digitally or printed at home.
I wanted to create something that could offer gentle guidance while leaving room for you to decide what works for you and your baby.
Each card has been created with intention, offering simple ways to encourage bonding and connection through everyday interactions, shared activities, and personal reflection.
The idea is not to add another task to your day, but to help you recognize and explore opportunities for connection that may already be part of it.
Familiar brings together four categories across two complementary digital card decks.
Connect
Opportunities to consider the relationship developing between you and your baby, including the ways you communicate, respond, and get to know each other.
Together
Shared activities that encourage bonding through touch, play, reading, music, and everyday interactions.
Feel
Space to acknowledge and explore the emotions that can accompany caring for a baby, without expectations about how you should feel.
Explore
Writing invitations and resources that encourage personal reflection, new perspectives, and discovering more about yourself and your experiences.