Benefits to Prenatal Bonding

Studies show that maternal bond with the baby during pregnancy can affect her experience in birth and postpartum. Here are some of the benefits to making this a priority during these 9 months.

1. Prenatal bonding builds security for your new baby.

   
   

   Studies show that babies can begin to hear and recognize the sound of their mothers' voice in the womb starting at 15 weeks and the voices of others around 23 weeks gestation. This means that they become familiar with you as their primary caregiver at the very beginning of the second trimester! Mothers who talk to their babies during pregnancy build an amazing system of trust with their new babies as they transition to life outside the womb. But this isn't limited to mothers! As babies begin to be able to hear other voices, this can also facilitate recognition and familiarity between baby and their father as well as older children. Some great ways to build this connection are by talking to, praying over, singing to, and reading to your growing baby throughout the second and third trimesters of your pregnancy.

   
   

2. Allows an easier transition for fathers and older children.

   
   

   As you, your husband, and your children begin to connect with your new child, an incredible bond begins to form between them and this child. For you as the mom, the presence of your baby can be more of a reality since you are the one carrying and feeling him or her move every day. But for dads and older children, the concept of a new child can feel a little more distant. Allowing your husband and children to engage with your growing baby can begin to facilitate a bond between them that will allow them to have a smoother transition into fatherhood and being older siblings. A great way to do this is to have them talk to your new baby as they place their hands on your belly so they can feel when baby moves.

   
   

3. Reduces anxiety for mom and dad.

   
   

   When the mother and father of a child begin to cultivate a bond with the baby while they are still in the womb, it begins to release that "love hormone" oxytocin that facilitates peace, calm, and connectivity. Oxytocin is a known antidote for anxiety, stress, and fear as it actually works to counteract the effects of cortisol and adrenaline in the body. As mom (and dad!) build that relationship with their new baby even while he or she is still in the womb, it can have lasting effects to reduce stress, worry, and anxiety they may be feeling about the pregnancy or their role in parenting.

   
   

4. Facilitates better birth experiences.

   
   

   As mentioned above, prenatal bonding with the baby in your womb increases the release of oxytocin in your brain. Oxytocin is a key hormone when it comes to birth as it is one of the major things that triggers labor! It is also responsible for reducing the experience of pain during contractions and moving labor along. When moms begin to prioritize bonding with their new babies while they are still in the womb, it gets the brain accustomed to releasing this powerful neurochemical into her system to make it that much easier for its release when the big day comes.

   
   

5. Cultivates more positive experience with postpartum.

   
   

   Lastly, research has shown that mothers who prioritized prenatal bonding with their babies had a much smoother time during their postpartum season. This is partly due to our same favorite hormone, oxytocin, as well as the emotional preparation and readiness that takes place in mothers who actively engage their babies in the womb. As a mother intentionally forms a unique relationship with the growing child in her womb, she can actually begin to sense that baby's unique character and design, even if they are still forming. This can lead to her having an easier time understanding her child's needs and cues as he or she adjusts to their new life in the external world.

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One amazing way you can bond with your baby during pregnancy is through ultrasounds. These amazing machines serve as so much more than a piece of medical testing equipment -- they can actually help facilitate an emotional, physical, and neurochemical bond between you and your baby.

Because of this, we have recently opened up a new Baby Bonding ultrasound session where Cindi will actually facilitate an experience for you and your family to connect with the newest member as you talk and play with him or her in your belly. The entire session is recorded and will be sent to you at the end of your appointment so you can watch and re-watch as your baby interacts with the sound of your (and your husband, friends, and older children's) voices.

You can find out more details or book one of these appointments below.

Book a Baby Bonding Session