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Parentpedia
Prenatal Bonding
What Experts Say
Prenatal bonding refers to bonding to the fetus before the birth. For some pregnant women this comes naturally and they feel a strong bond to their baby after conception, especially once its movements can be felt. Others -- especially women who have experienced miscarriage or are having difficult pregnancies -- do not develop a deep bond until after the baby is born.
There are many ways a woman and her partner can jumpstart the bonding process.
Choose a nickname: Some parents discover the gender of the baby and choose a name before birth as a way of bonding. If you choose to wait, pick a nickname (Chickpea, Birdy, Tadpole) so you can start talking about, and to, the baby.
Keep a journal: Lawrence Shapiro, author of "The Secret Language of Children" argues that keeping a family journal helps boost children's self-esteem. It's never too early to start. Write to Chickpea in a family journal and record not only events but family history, thoughts, and hopes about the future.
Talk or sing: According to Jennifer Margulis, author of "Why Babies Do That: Baffling Baby Behavior Explained," by six months in utero a fetus has already developed the capacity to hear sounds outside the womb. Once born, the baby will recognize familiar voices. It is never too early for the mom and her partner to talk, read, sing, and/or play music to the baby.
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The contents of ParentPedia are intended for educational purposes only. Such contents are not intended to, and do not, constitute medical or healthcare advice or diagnosis, and may not be used for such purposes. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Reliance on information presented on ParentPedia is at your own risk.
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