Bonding Before Birth

That sweet baby that is curled up in your womb is the same child that you will someday watch get on the school bus for the first time, graduate crammer school, fill out applications for college, hold their first baby in their arms. This baby in your womb already has the toes that you will kiss one by one when he or she is born. The hair on your babies head is the same that you will brush and comb and even complain about when it gets too shaggy or isn't being brushed. This beautiful baby in your womb already has the shape to his or her face. This is the face that you will stroke, kiss, and wipe tears from. This child in your womb is just beginning their journey as your child. This is new to him/her and this is new to you. Don't miss out on a minute of this special "womb time." This is a bonding that can be formed between mother and child that will last a lifetime.

Here are some special bonding times for Mommy and baby (They can also be used by Daddy and baby)

1. Give your baby a womb love name.

You may not know the sex of your baby yet. Thats OK. You can choose a love name that is not gender specific but that will be specific to your baby. Suggestions: Love of my life; Sweet One; Dear; Child of Hope. I chose a love name for my baby girl..only to find that means beautiful in Hawaiian. You can even do a little research and choose a love name in another language.

2. Talk to your baby:

When you speak to your baby talk to him or her by name (your love name). Tell the baby of your love for him/her. Share your faith in his potential and in his future. Talk to him about the life that you will share together and the joy that you will take in holding him/her in your arms. Tell your baby how beautiful they are. Talk to your baby about their beautiful fingers and toes. Tell them how beautiful their eyes are. Your words will go into the spirit of your baby and will be understood. You will begin to develop a relationship with your baby before birth that will lead to an easier birth and a healthier pregnancy. Fear of the unknown will begin to leave you as you share hope and excitement verbally with your unborn baby. Stress will leave and peacefulness will be apart of your pregnancy.

3. Avoid stress and take restful moments with you and baby:

Rest and listen to peaceful music. Take long baths. When you feel stress sing softly to yourself and your baby. Keep yourself in a place of peace as much as possible. Avoid conflict with others and angry altercations. Choose to live peaceably as much as possible. You will see the result in your new born baby. People will take notice of the peacefulness.

4. Touch your stomach daily:

Rub your stomach daily and speak or sing to your baby. This is contact between you and baby and it is of utmost importance in bonding with your baby. As you run your hand over your daily enlarging stomach picture your babies fingers and toes, arms and legs. Let yourself fall in love with your baby.

Why wait until birth when you can begin to bond now? Why wait to help develop your baby through interaction when you can begin now? Your baby will benefit from your love. They will be stronger, healthier and happier because of it.