How to Connect With Your Baby in the Womb

Connecting with your baby in the womb is often not immediate or even intrinsic. Pregnant mothers and future caregivers might worry that something is wrong with them or with the baby when they do not feel an overwhelming bond with it in the womb. This is, however, very normal, and there are several things expecting mothers and fathers can consciously do to begin to connect with their baby.

Instructions

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      Massage your belly often. This will introduce your baby to human touch, and it might also be the closest thing to "conversation" with your baby while it is in the womb. Dr. Carista Luminare-Rosen, author of "Parenting Begins Before Conception: A Guide to Preparing Body, Mind, and Spirit for You and Your Future Child," reports that in studies measuring the brainwaves of prenates, prenatal brains have responded to visual, tactile and auditory stimulants by 7 months old. This means that by seven months, not only are babies capable of responding, but it's also likely that their response is meaningful and intentional.

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      Sing and talk to the baby regularly. Your prenatal child can hear your voice and will recognize it when born. Singing a special song or telling your baby "I love you" will help to create and reinforce your special connection. Choose a topic of discussion, and chatter away. RN Marilee Hartling, who is a prenatal program manager at Los Angeles' Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, recommends saying good morning to your baby when you wake up and good night to your baby before you go to sleep.

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      Meditate occasionally in a quiet place as you visualize your baby in the womb. You can use this time to write letters to the baby, examine your ultrasound pictures and draw your own pictures of what you imagine the baby to be like. Conduct imaginary conversations with your baby. Share your private concerns, hopes and secrets. This will strengthen your attachment to the baby.

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      Show love toward yourself and other future caretakers of the child. Luminare-Rosen says "prenates clearly respond to the thoughts and feelings of the mother and to the father's style of communicating with her and the baby." If you are stressed or angry, try to relax with activities that you know will calm you. Also, treat your body well, and eat nutritiously. Connect with your baby by promoting a peaceful, nourishing environment.

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