Pregnancy can be a daunting time. You have so much left to organise, you are on a hormonal roller coaster, and you’re probably exhausted. On top of all that, you may be a bit scared of meeting your new baby. Many mums worry that they won’t feel an instant bond with their baby. There’s no need to wait until after the birth, you can start to bond with your bump right now. Here are some ideas to help you start to build your lifelong relationship with your baby:
- Talk to your bump – when your baby is born, one of the ways she will recognise you, is by the sound of your voice. Whether you talk directly to her or not, she’ll be used to hearing your voice in everyday life. Your newborn will be comforted by the sound of your voice. Talking to your bump is a great way to start the bonding process.
- Write things down – keep notes of the memories you have of being pregnant. You could add a section to your baby book, for time spent in the womb. Does your bump always jiggle when drum and bass comes on the radio? Or has the baby ever kicked you so hard it’s left a bruise? Keep note of all these things so you remember them for years to come. You’ll be able to tell your child about them in the future.
- Stroke your bump – respond to your baby’s kicks and nudges, by stroking that area of your bump. It’s amazing to think that each of those nudges is your baby moving around inside you. Take the time to appreciate that, and respond to baby by stroking or talking to your bump.
- Relax and think – make sure you spend some time each day relaxing and focussing on your baby. It could just be fifteen minutes before bed, but make sure you have some time to enjoy your bump. Life can be so hectic, and relaxation is even more important for pregnant women. Slow down, and mentally prepare for life with a baby. You could do this while relaxing in the bath, or during your prenatal yoga session.
- Make your baby a present – a knitted blanket, a handmade teddy or drawing for her bedroom wall, there are lots of things you could make. You might not have time when the baby arrives. Making your unborn baby a present is a great way to bond, and plan for the future. It doesn’t matter if what you make has missed stitches, ink smudges or uneven seams. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be from you.
- Get daddy to bond too – men miss out during pregnancy. On the one hand, they miss out on the haemorrhoids, the swollen ankles and the acne. But they also miss out on the amazing aspects of pregnancy, like feeling your baby move inside you. Take your partner’s hands and place them on your bump so he can feel your baby kick. If he wants, he could talk to your bump too. The baby will recognise his voice when he’s born, and will be reassured by it.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.