Awaiting the arrival of a baby brings such anticipation–my husband (or Mr Teacher Karen as he says he’s usually called) and I made it in the nick o’ time to our 2nd grandbaby’s birth.
I love the guest post by pregnancy coach Leubgythe Holm of Cherished Baby. I’m all about PLAY and I DO cherish babies so!
Yours in Play!
Teacher Karen
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Expectant parents: Play with your unborn child to begin early bonding
What an exciting time to be expecting a baby! A steady stream of scientific research confirms a baby’s bonding is patterned in the womb. Even in the womb, babies need to know they are safe, loved, and welcome.
Pregnancy is an opportunity to take a careful look at what causes you stress and what brings you joy in life. This is not about guilt, but rather, a chance to make choices and take positive actions that can positively affect your child’s physical, mental and emotional health for life. Playing is one way to interact with your unborn child that can be fun for both parents and baby.
Whether you are trying to conceive, presently expecting, or planning for a first or subsequent pregnancy at some point in the future, here are a few ideas for playful interactions with your pre-nate…and partners too!
- Read to (unborn) baby (i.e., nursery rhymes, poems, even classics)
- Sing to baby (i.e., lullabies, fun children’s songs, your favorites) Some parents like to choose ‘theme’ song for baby and sing regularly; then sing to them soon after birth.
- Dance to music; hearing develops before sight.
- Play peek-a-boo with light. You can shine a light on your belly; baby may follow the light .
- Tap belly—baby may tap back! If you feel baby move, tap again.
Remember, baby feels your feelings of joy even before you feel movement. You can always share words of love throughout the pregnancy.
Enjoy!
Leubgythe Nancy Holm, Ph.D., Pregnancy Coach
Cherished Baby
holm.nc@gmail.com
425-483-5811
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