Pregnancy is one of the most wonderful experiences of a woman’s life. Although there is a lot to learn and even more to do, it is important to remember to take some time out of your day, every day, to bond with your bump and baby. Don’t let life get in the way of you cherishing this special time in your life.
Massage
Gently massaging your bump is a soothing way to bond with baby. This is safe to do after the first trimester of pregnancy, and it helps mum to relax too. After a busy day, this can be your special way of taking some time out and relaxing with baby. Feeling your baby react to your strokes is an amazing feeling. Watch this video on how to pregnancy massage if you are unsure of what to do.
Swimming
Swimming is great for both you and baby, especially in the final trimester of pregnancy, as it takes the weight of your feet and back – and helps you remember a time when you weren’t carrying such a big bump! Swimming is also a great way to exercise during pregnancy, and as both you and baby float in the water it is a great way of relating to baby. Look at for aqua-natal classes in your community.
Talking and singing
From about 23 weeks your baby will hear your heartbeat perfectly and begin to hear sounds from the outside world. Hearing your voice while in the womb helps your baby feel attached to you quickly after birth. Reseach suggests that the reason your baby’s hearing is so well-developed in the womb is to help her start to bond with you even before she’s born. After birth, your newborn may love to hear your voice more than any other. The sound of a mother’s voice is one of the first sensory experiences a tiny baby has as they develop in the womb.
Take a bath
It is really important during pregnancy to remain relaxed and as stress-free as possible and although life goes on, we cannot stress enough how important it is to take time out and relax; and what better way to do this than with your baby. Taking the time to have a soak in the bath in the evening instead of shower is ideal. It’s a quiet time when you can begin to prepare yourself for motherhood. Make sure the water is not too hot but comfortable enough so that you can get straight in without having to get in bit by bit. It also shouldn’t turn your skin red or make you sweat.
Pregnancy yoga
If you haven’t done yoga before it’s fine to start while you’re pregnant. Yoga poses for beginners are usually quite simple. The best time to start yoga is in the second trimester, after 14 weeks. As well as gentle stretching you’ll learn breathing techniques that can help during labour. Antenatal yoga can help to relax your mind and body and may make you feel more in touch with your baby.
Watch this video to get you started:
Hypnobirthing
Hypnobirthing classes help you stay calm and controlled during labour and birth. The techniques used can also help you to eliminate distractions and focus on your body and your baby. The deep relaxation techniques you learn in the classes help you connect better with your baby. There are plenty of books on the technique, or you can attend a hypnobirthing class in your area. Practice makes perfect, so this is a perfect way to connect with your unborn baby.
Respond to your baby’s kicks
Once you start to feel your baby’s kicks at around 18 to 20 weeks, rub your bump when your baby moves and you may find that she kicks back at you. There’s nothing more exciting as feeling your baby respond to your touch for the very first time.
Keep your scan image close to you
Keeping a picture of your baby’s scan on the home screen of your phone, in your purse or on the bedside locker is the best reminder of the little person you are carrying and will shortly get to hold in your arms.
maternity & infant
Originally posted 2017-07-10 12:15:30.