The nine months of pregnancy, whether it’s your first or fourth time around, is a special period of your life. Knowing that you are growing a little person inside of you makes even the most standard days and weeks that little bit more exciting.
Pregnancy however, can also be an anxious time as you grapple with the changes to your body (and life), along with the usual concerns that come with expecting a bub. Lives are also incredibly busy these days, with many women continuing in full time work (or with full time child rearing responsibilities) right up until the birth.
Busy schedules can mean that things, like bonding time with your bub, get pushed to the bottom of the ‘to do’ list as you rush to fit in everything else that modern life demands. Taking a little bit of time each day or week to spend some time with your bump can be a hugely rewarding and relaxing experience for both you and your partner.
Research has found that the hormone oxytocin, which is released when you feel or experience something you consider to be ‘love’, can actually help in the development of your babies brain and the way in which it grows. It is thought that activities like bonding with your unborn baby can help teach your baby’s brain skills like self-comforting and settling, as well as positively influencing their emotional and social state at the time of birth.
Bonding with your bump doesn’t have to be time consuming or eleborate with simple activities usually being the best way to go. Here are our top suggestions.
Best ways to bond with your bump
- Talk the talk – Your baby develops the ability to hear from around 18 weeks old meaning they are able to hear your voice and what is going on in the outside world. Talking to your bump and encouraging your partner to do the same is a great way of feeling connected with your baby and creating a familiar sound that they will most likely recognise at birth.
- Massage- A nightly massage of your bump, using a pregnancy specific oil or moisturiser is a great way to unwind and bond with baby. Massage allows you to slow down and appreciate all the changes that are occuring in your body. It’s also a great way to involve your partner in the experience.
- Play your favourite tunes – With babies sense of hearing developing so soon in pregnancy, choosing a couple of tracks to listen to ‘together’ helps create a special ritual. Many women then choose to have this music playing during the birth or soon after to help soothe and calm themselves and their newborn.
- Take a bath – Floating in warm water is one of the only times you’ll truly be able to feel weightless during your pregnancy (an especially nice experience as your bump grows!). Use bath time to relax and focus on what your body and baby are doing. When you’re relaxed, you’re more likely to feel flutters, kicks and other movemements that you might otherwise miss during the day when you’re busy and not paying as much attention.
If you are ready to lose weight then the Lose Baby Weight plans offer a healthy and safe exercise and diet routine.
And don’t forget to check out our current promotions and discounts page to see what specials we have on this week on our Healthy Mummy product range
