How Husbands Can Talk to Their Baby in the Womb

Husbands, too, can play a role in talking to their baby in the womb. Sure, mothers have the advantage because baby listens to mother all day, but that doesn't mean husbands should take a back seat pending the new addition.

Based on research, we now know babies can hear in the womb. According to Dr. Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, PhD, of the University of Delaware, "from about the beginning of the eighth month they can hear." Babies in the womb can recognize the mother's voice, but unfortunately, "they don't recognize the father's voice right away." This means husbands need to put forth a little effort if they want baby to recognize their voice as soon as possible after birth.

The following are five fun and creative ways husbands can get involved in talking to their baby in the womb.

1. Reading a book is easy, it doesn't take too much time, and it gets your voice flowing at the same pitch and tone. "It appears the fetus can even hear specific speech patterns and intonations," says William Fifer, a developmental psychobiologist at Columbia University. So, if you've got a book you're comfortable with, it's encouraged to keep reading it.

2. If you need to change up from reading the same book over and over, try having a little conversation. Maybe you're working in the nursery. Did you just put together the crib or hang a sticky border? Whatever you're doing, have mom take a seat and try talking to your baby in the womb about what's going on during preparations for his or her arrival.

3. Heartbeat and breathing slow down when soft music is played and speed up with fast tunes. Babies in the womb tend to like soft, harmonious music. If you have a nice sounding tune, stick with it and play it later after your baby is born. It may promote a sense of bonding with your baby after he or she recalls the tune.

4. Try having a little baby fun by making up a jingle and sing the tune in between talking to your baby in the womb. Your own song may also foster bonding between you and your new addition.

5. Feel baby's kicks and touch mommy's stomach gently. This will promote a sense of inclusion in the pregnancy rather than merely being a spectator.

For additional information related to this topic by Chris, check out the link, How to Help Your Pregnant Wife.

Sources:

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=54595

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=51723

http://www.birthpsychology.com/lifebefore/early3.html