How to Bond With Your Baby During Pregnancy
Many expectant moms feel a deep connection to their baby from the moment they realize they are pregnant, while for others the connection develops over time. All expectant moms can enhance this bond during pregnancy. Not only does this build a stronger connection between mom and baby, it also means taking time out to focus on baby, and this can be a calming and relaxing time for moms. Cherish these anticipatory months with your baby as they represent a time that you will never have again.
Talk to your baby. Say good morning and goodnight and speak to your baby in a soothing voice throughout the day. Babies can recognize their mother’s voice from approximately week twenty-eight and respond to it.1
Baby and mom time. Set time aside to spend with your baby. Focus solely on your baby for about ten minutes each time. Speak to your baby, read nursery rhymes, sing softly, rock in a rocking chair or dance slowly with your hands on your abdomen. Babies are calmed by music and by your voice, and speaking or singing to your baby will help them know your voice at birth.3
Baby massage. Stroke and gently massage your belly to introduce your baby to your touch and the world outside the womb.
Pay attention to baby’s movements. Be aware of the times of day your baby is most active and focus on baby then. Early morning or evening may be the best time for you to practice this, so that you can focus on baby at the start of each day or at the end when your home is quiet and there are fewer distractions, and when you are most relaxed.
Follow your baby’s development. Week by week, follow your baby’s fetal development, reading about the typical milestones baby will experience that week, and what their approximate height and weight are. It helps you visualize your baby and think of baby as a real person rather than a concept.
Share a nutritious meal. Your baby eats what you eat. Think about that as you plan your meals, and picture your baby. Ask yourself what you can make to provide your baby with the nutrients and vitamins needed.
Set up the nursery. For some soon-to-be parents, this event makes everything more real. By setting up the crib and all that baby will need, they feel more connected and ready to greet their baby.