Holding your baby for the first time is an overwhelming experience, but you can connect with your baby even before she is born. Simply feeling the baby move inside makes many expecting mothers feel a bond. Prenatal bonding activities sometimes help your partner or other family members feel more connected to the baby. The bonding techniques might also help the expecting mom feel even closer to her unborn child. Your baby’s sense of hearing helps facilitate the bonding.
Step 1
Talk to your baby on a regular basis so she gets a chance to hear your voice. Encourage your partner or other children to talk to the baby as well. Singing or reading books to your baby are other ways to let your baby hear your voice.
Step 2
Rub your belly as you talk to your baby. Press gently on your stomach to touch your baby. If he is awake, he might push back in response. Later in the pregnancy, you can also keep your hand on your belly when your baby kicks or drags his feet along your tummy.
Step 3
Sit still when your baby is really active. Pay attention to the sensations you feel as the baby wiggles and kicks.
Step 4
Reduce your stress levels as much as possible. According to Ask Dr. Sears, the stress can produce hormones that could pass across the placenta and affect your baby. Keeping your stress low also allows you to be more in tune with your baby and may allow you to feel movements and sensations that you might otherwise miss.
Step 5
Turn up your favorite songs or a lullaby CD for your baby to enjoy. Sway along with the music.
Step 6
Schedule a 3D or 4D ultrasound, which gives a more realistic image of your baby in the womb. The 4D ultrasound is more like a video so you can watch your baby move around. Seeing your baby move in this realistic format helps many parents feel more connected.
Step 7
Imagine what your baby might look like and how she might feel in the womb. Think about how you think the baby will act as a newborn and as she gets older. This activity can make the pregnancy and the baby a more concrete experience for parents.
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