Bonding with your baby before they are born might feel challenging or, in some cases, awkward. But there are many ways to connect and create a one-of-a-kind experience that won’t alter your day-to-day. This article explores creative ways to achieve these bonding efforts that can leave a lasting, memorable impression on your experience as a new mom.

Respond To Their Movements

Your baby’s movements are all signs of a healthy, active, and growing life. These movements can mean many things, from playing, wake hours, repositioning, and womb exploration. It can feel surreal for expecting mothers to feel those first kicks or turns because this is when the reality of being pregnant sets in. Feel free to respond with laughter, silly chats, and belly rubs each time you feel your baby move.

Write Letters To Your Baby

Pregnancy is an excellent time to begin dreaming of the life you envision your child will have. Draw up mind maps and set intentions around all the good things you desire for your growing family. Start writing your baby letters with your daily thoughts and feelings or your dreams for your life together. When you’re both ready, you can give your kiddo the letters to read and bring this bonding experience full circle.

Listen To Their Heartbeat

The sound of your baby’s heartbeat can soothe your mind, bring additional comfort around a potentially troubling pregnancy, and increase your ability to bond and connect. Those sweet pitter-patters often signal viability, healthy life, and a love that grows with each beat. Ask your midwife to use their medical grade fetal doppler at your next appointment to listen to your baby’s heart and gain peace of mind.

Assign and Use the Baby’s Name

If your midwife or overseeing provider helped you determine the gender of your baby, assigning them a name is an excellent, important, and loving experience. Regardless of where the name comes from and how you reach this decision, remember it’s unique to them and holds meaning. One of the best ways to bond with your baby before they’re born is to use the assigned name you have in mind, refer to them with it, and talk directly to them.

Start Reading Early

A great way to build the habit of reading to your baby after birth is to begin reading to them while pregnant. If you have a reading nook in the nursery or a favorite place in the house to sit and relax, consider designating this your reading spot until they’re born. This can help you create the unique book collection they will grow up with and allow you to bond with them one-on-one.

Cascade Health Care provides certified nurse midwives with professional-grade tools and devices to ensure they can provide ethical and safe antenatal care. We value your motherhood experience from pregnancy and beyond and look forward to partnering with a midwifery space near you.