Babies start learning and relating to you long before birth... So what are some ways that we can start to form our relationship with this beautiful being we have created before welcoming them into the world? Taking a look at Pre-Birth Imprinting, we can see how we are hearing, seeing, feeling, and remembering, from our time in the womb. I will be briefly going over the curriculum that is mapped out by Eve Marnie, RN author of the book LoveStart. It is an art, science, and philosophy about becoming acquainted with your unborn child through Pre-Birth Bonding. Speaking from my pregnancy with my daughter Lily, I found this to be such an awesome experience! It really brought my husband Mike more into the whole experience as well as bringing us together as parents for the first time.Pre-Birth Bonding Steps:
1. REST- Set some time aside, each day for yourself and your partner to be together, to just be with the baby. Establishing such a daily routine can benefit the family relationship long after the baby is born.
2. ENJOY THE BABY- In step one you are just being with there with the baby. After about a week or so, start talking about the baby. Talk about the coming months, your plans, your hopes, your dreams.
3. MAKE CONTACT WITH THE BABY- Send thoughts to your baby. No matter what stage of pregnancy you are in, communicate your growing awareness of the baby and your love for him/her. Enhance the time you set aside to spend with the baby by playing music you enjoy. Send relaxing, loving thoughts to the baby as you rest your hand on your stomach. The baby will be able to feel your touch and your love.
4. BEGIN CONVERSATION-When you are ready, put voice to your thought, music and touch. Put your thoughts into words, adding a new dimension to the relationship between mother, father and baby. These are the first building blocks to a three way communication.
5. SHARE YOUR WHOLE LIFE-Increase the amount of time you spend with your baby. Communicate with baby in thoughts and in words.
6. VISUALIZE-Take some time each day to visualize exactly how the birth of your child will be.
7. EDUCATE YOURSELF-Read, watch videos, talk to doctors, midwives, and other new Moms. Make sure all of your questions are answered.
8. PREPARE FOR THE BIRTH-Make lists of all of your ideas and birth plans. Discuss your thoughts with your partner and baby. Have your care provider sign your birth plan 30 days prior to birth. Communicate clearly with every person involved in your birth. Continue to rest, talk, touch and play music for baby. Continue your education
9. PUT YOUR PLAN INTO ACTION-Materialize your plans. Tour the location where you will be giving birth. Make sure you know who will be standing in for your doctor if they will be unavailable. Continue your education and visualizations in preparation for birth.
10. EXPERIENCE THE BIRTH-Enjoy the birth event. Forget everything you have heard about birthing a baby. Throw out the old beliefs and stories. This is your birth, it will be unique to you. Trust your intuition to tell you what to do as you need to do it. This will be the most rewarding experience you, your partner, and baby will ever share.
These steps are just the beginning of all the wonderful ways that you and your partner can connect with your baby. Be creative, and most of all just enjoy this special time when your family starts to grow!