I’m not going to lie. With this second pregnancy, I just haven’t felt as connected to our baby as I did with our first child. Partly because I’m busier and have more responsibilities and not as relaxed this time around, and I’m not taking as much time to relax as I should be. Life throws a lot of responsibilities at us, especially if we already have a child or two or three already.
By the time I’m finished working a full day at work, pick up my daughter from daycare, make dinner, do the whole bedtime routine, I’m in bed by 9pm. I do feel guilty at times and I know I should be paying as much attention to my belly as I do with other things in life I deem important. The phase I live by is: “if it’s important you’ll find a way to make it happen.” Obviously I need to practice what I preach and use it to remind myself that I need to take time out to bond with baby.
Funny enough my hubby also mentioned the same thing to me the other night about how he feels not as connected to baby as he would like to be. So in order to get our connection and bonding back on track, I’ve put together a list of ways that you and your partner can bond with your unborn baby to make baby feel safe, and let baby know that he or she is loved and cared for.
“if it’s important you’ll find a way to make it happen.”
1. Talk to baby- Say good morning or good night to baby while rubbing your belly. I like to do this when moisturizing my body in the morning and evening. (Always multi-tasking!) Newborns know the voices of their parents when they are born, so talk as much as you can!
2. Get your children involved with the new baby. – Our 2 year old daughter is so excited about baby, and sometimes pays more attention to my belly than I do! She lifts up my shirt and talks to into my bellybutton, she rubs her hands and taps on my belly, she hugs my belly and even plays music for him or her. It’s so cute to see her interacting with her future brother or sister like this! This type of interaction is great, and will create a bond between siblings.
3. Prenatal yoga-Prenatal yoga is great because it gives you a chance to relax and focus your mind on your body and your baby belly. The belly rubbing and gentle music is soothing for baby, not to mention the labor preparation that prenatal yoga provides. If you don’t have a prenatal yoga class near you, take some time each day to sit in quiet, thinking inward, stretching gently and massaging your belly.
4. Take Baby bump photos – Have your husband or partner take a picture of your belly each week to see the progression of how you are changing and how big baby is getting. Maybe even book a professional photoshoot to provide you with photos that you can cherish forever. As baby gets older, he or she will really appreciate these small things that mommy and daddy have done.
5. Journal it – write down all the memories of your pregnancy. Talk about how you felt, foods you ate, and disliked, feelings you had. Use these memories in addition to the belly photos and create a keepsake book for the whole family to enjoy.
6. Get Dad involved- Have Dad talk to baby and rub baby belly every night. Another way is for mom and dad to cuddle naked, with dad’s belly against your baby belly. Baby can feel the love and warmth between parents and know that he or she is loved.
7. Read a book – no doubt you have some baby books kicking around your house. Take the time to read a children’s book to him or her.
8. Sing a song or hum a tune –whether it’s a children’s song or not, singing or humming a tune creates not only a creative lighthearted fun and relaxed demeanor for mom, but baby will enjoy it as well! In the shower or the bath is a great time to sing a song!
9. Communicate Back – By 20 weeks or even earlier you will probably feel baby kicking and punching.
Why not communicate back and respond to her movements by gently poking, rubbing, or massaging baby back in the areas where you feel movement. You can rub your belly anywhere and anytime –even at your desk at work.
10. Dance – Put on some music and have fun! This is a great time for you to relax and let go and have fun after a long day. Plus children love to dance, so why not get him or her started while in the womb!
I wanna know, do you have a favorite or unusual way to bond with your baby? Drop me a line and let me know.
Denise