The moment you first hear your baby's heart beating and see their tiny body on an ultrasound, your bond with them begins. You don't have to wait until they're born to start bonding with your baby. Here are some ways to begin getting to know and connecting with your little one before they make their debut.
Your baby may not understand the words quite yet, but they can pick up on the rhythm, vibration and tone of your voice. Talking or singing to them is a great way to help them learn about the sound of your voice and get familiar it. You can choose a favorite lullaby or even just tell them stories about what life will be like when they enter it. Even if you don't think they can understand what you are saying, speaking kind words has been known to benefit babies in the womb.
Massaging and caressing your pregnant belly can also help you bond with your baby before birth. This gentle touch stimulates production of hormones that encourage relaxation for both parent and child as well as promote healthy development for the baby before birth. Choose oils that are safe for use during pregnancy; almond oil mixed with lavender essential oil is especially calming for both mum and baby.
Research suggests that playing music for babies in the womb helps them become familiar with sounds outside the womb as well as helping develop their hearing skills even further once they enter the world. You can also choose songs that have special meaning such as a song played at a wedding or element from a family heritage such as music associated with an ethnicity or culture. Playing these tunes while connecting through touch can help create strong bonds between parent and child even before they meet face-to-face!
Your doctor or midwife should be able offer advice on pregnancy related topics including preparing yourself emotionally for parenthood as well as scientifically backed methods of connecting with your growing baby in utero through touch and sound stimulation. Additionally, depending on where you live there may be prenatal classes available at no or low cost which can give insight into bonding opportunities before giving birth such as partner yoga or massage classes designed specifically for mothers expecting a child.
Bonding with your baby doesn't have to start when they come out into this world. By engaging in activities such us talking, playing music or comforting touch - either by yourself or together with other members of the family - parents can begin building deep connections between each other long before anyone gets to hold hands!
Enjoy!
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