Congratulations on your pregnancy! With each passing week, the miraculous transformation of that little life inside your womb unfolds. From a tiny cluster of cells, your baby is growing and developing, forming arms, legs, fingers, and toes. It's truly a remarkable process, and your body is doing something incredible. You don't have to wait until your baby is born to begin the beautiful journey of bonding. No matter the path that led you and your partner to conceive this precious child, your baby is already there, and now is the perfect time to start fostering a lifelong bond. Embrace this special opportunity to connect with your baby even before their arrival. 

We put together a list of the top 10 ways you can bond with your baby while you are still pregnant. 

1. Talk, Talk, Talk 

Your baby will adore hearing your voice while nestled inside the warm embrace of your mother's womb. Take advantage of this precious bonding time by engaging in heartfelt conversations. Share stories of your day, express your excitement about their impending arrival, and if you've already chosen a name, use it during your tender exchanges. By doing so, you help your little one recognize and find comfort in your familiar voice, providing a sense of security as they prepare to enter the world. This simple act fosters emotional bonding and cultivates a calm and happy connection between you and your unborn child.

2. Story Time

Embrace the joy of reading to your precious baby nestled within the sanctuary of your mother's womb. Though it may feel unusual, this simple act creates a soothing and bonding experience for both of you. While your baby may not grasp the storyline, they delight in the sound of your voice. Opt for children's books filled with rhymes, fostering their language development from the earliest stages. Involve your partner in this beautiful bonding process as well, allowing your little one to recognize and connect with their other parent's voice. Establishing this cherished habit now sets the foundation for future moments of shared reading, fostering a strong and loving connection.

4. Get In Touch With the Star Inside

Playing calming relaxing music to your baby whilst in the womb can help as a future tool for you when they are earthside. Any form of familiarity for them can help to sooth and comfort, When bub is earthside and restless you can play the music that you previously played to them in the womb and they will likely calm down. Singing along to your favorite songs can also help create a magical bond between mum and bub. 

5. Touch

What a wonderful period of time you are heading towards!! Babies love being touched, hugged and snuggled, with heaps of butterfly kisses.  The best way to do this while they are in utero is to rub your belly. It is comforting to have this important physical affection. They will love the feel of your touch and as bub becomes more active, you might find that they will give you a gentle kick or move more. This connection between you both is super powerful and your partner will also be able to experience this connection by rubbing your belly. 

6. Have An Ultrasound

It is such an amazing experience to be able to actually see your baby move in real time. Hearing that heartbeat is the ultimate way to feel a connection to your soon to be little love! It is also the most powerful way to give you and your partner peace of mind as your baby develops and grows. Your health professional may require ultrasounds during your pregnancy, but if you ever feel the need to be reassured that your pregnancy is progressing normally, as well as seeing your baby again, talk to your health professional about additional ultrasounds. The idea is to do your research first and know what is available to you both. Remember sometimes your partner may need to feel reassured as well.

Amidst the beautiful journey of bonding with your baby inside the sacred sanctuary of your mother's womb, it's crucial to carve out moments of self-care.

7. Become A Writer

Are you a writer?? Even if you aren't, maybe now is the perfect time to start. Keeping a journal at this important time of your life not only gives you a great tool to reflect on, but will give the opportunity to have the most important memories of your hopes and wishes.. As your child grows they will love listening to these wishes and your experiences of a time when you carried them everywhere. 

8.Take Time For Yourself

Amidst the beautiful journey of bonding with your baby inside the sacred sanctuary of your mother's womb, it's crucial to carve out moments of self-care. Embrace a little selfishness by indulging in leisurely walks or refreshing swims, particularly during the warmth of summer. These gentle movements not only promote your well-being but also provide a sense of relaxation and comfort for both you and your baby. Another serene activity to cherish is taking a soothing bath. Create a tranquil atmosphere by infusing the water with magnesium flakes and pregnancy-safe essential oils, accompanied by soft melodies or calming meditation. As you immerse yourself in blissful relaxation, envision the exciting moments that await in your shared future. It's a precious time of togetherness for you and your little one, nurturing the strong emotional bond growing within your mother's uterus.

9.Family And Hobbies

Make sure you are having positive interactions, fill the space you are in with laughter, and enjoyment, your baby will sense the peace of mind you are experiencing. Allow your baby to hear the voices of any siblings, cousins, grandparents, etc. It is also important if you have a dog, when the baby hears the dog bark in the womb, the less likely they are going  to be surprised by it once they are home.
Do you have a favorite hobby? ‘Bring your baby along’ with you. Now is a great time to have a conversation with your baby. Tell them about where you are going, or what you like to do. The sounds or movements that your baby experiences in utero, will become familiar to them once they are born.

10. Family Bonding

Playing games with your little one is not only fun but signals to them that you are there and you love them. There is nothing more wonderful than when you feel a kick or movement. Giving back a light push on that area or rubbing your stomach helps to strengthen the bond. This is now your little family, make sure you take your partner on this journey with you, after all you are all in it together. Encourage them to be involved as much as possible. They can read the baby a book or sing a song, maybe they rest their head on your stomach and tell the baby a story. Their bond is important too.

This is your opportunity to start creating a bond with your unborn baby as you anxiously await their arrival.  You may like to utilize one or all of the ideas on this list, or research some of your own. This is your journey, so do what you feel comfortable with, enjoy the ride into this amazing adventure.

Robyn xx