Connecting with your baby

Several studies have shown that a mother’s mood can influence the baby’s development. For example, a study conducted by Dr. Silvie Richard found a connection between highly stressed mothers and health issues in their babies after being born. Scientist like Rottman, Nilsson, and Lukesch also studied the mother’s rejection towards her baby during pregnancy and found significant correlations between maternal rejection and Hyperactive syndrome in babies. Besides, it was found that many babies who were rejected during pregnancy showed rejection to breastfeeding or displayed feeding anomalies.

On the contrary, there are studies that have shown positive results when the mother connects and stimulates her baby during pregnancy. For example, Thomas Verny and Dr. Rene Van de Carr studied fetal development and found that babies who are stimulated in the womb cry less, are peaceful, and show better learning abilities after birth. Likewise, there are many studies that found lots of benefits from prenatal stimulation.

How can you connect with your baby?

• Enjoy and focus on feeling every movement your baby does. For example, the first time you feel a kick, try to connect and imagine your baby. Your baby’s movements are a reminder that {his/her} heart is beating inside you. Take the time to respond to your baby with a little bit of pressure or soft massage every time there’s a kick
• Do diverse relaxing exercises to decrease stress, elevate positive emotions, and connect with your baby
• Speak often, tell your baby a story or sing songs. Your baby will definitely feel calm when listening to your voice
• Listen to classical music or soft music, and connect with your baby through music