Find time every day to sit quietly and communicate to your unborn baby. You may choose to close your eyes and place your hands on your belly while taking deep breathes in and out…you may choose to enroll in a prenatal yoga class guided by an instructor…or perhaps you’ll choose to spend this time reading from a book with words of encouragement. Whatever method you choose, by spending this time in a calm and peaceful environment you are creating an environment conducive to bonding.

Bonding (also known as attachment) is essentially something that forms naturally, however the experience is different for all mothers. Some mothers bond very early on, through an ultrasound or first feelings of flutter. Others may not begin to bond until the birth of their child. Taking time to communicate feelings of love to your unborn baby will allow you and your child a chance to begin the bonding process.

Unborn babies are capable of learning. They are also capable of responding to your voice as they are able to hear from the 24th week on. It is important that you constantly speak to your unborn baby…your voice is the most important sound and they need to hear you. Hearing your voice and listening to you is how your baby will begin to learn about language. Tell them how loved and wanted they are. Tell them about your day or engage them in conversation as you do light chores around the house. You are their key to the outside world, and it is through you that they will learn that the world that awaits them is a safe and nurturing place. This is all part of the bonding process that will continue once your baby is born.

When there is a healthy bond between you and your child, your unborn baby begins to learn about trust. Through you they can also gain confidence and a feeling of security. These values are extremely important and will help to shape your child’s future. Having such a positive start can certainly only continue to benefit not only your child, but the family unit as a whole.