Pre natal bonding is a positive way to stimulate your baby. There are different ways that are fun to do and may stimulate both the growth as well as the intelligence of your baby.
1. Touch: Lightly stroke your tummy from below up to your belly button. As you are stroking your baby you can softly talk to him/her also. If you touch or stroke your tummy after your baby kicks, you can teach your baby that his/her movement brings a change in her environment. Around 28 weeks you can ask your doctor to indicate the position of your baby, so you can stroke from head to toes.
2. Music: By 5 months the baby’s brain is fully functioning and the ears are wide open. Research shows that the baby’s heart rate increases during the first couple of minutes of listening to music. It is suggested to listen to music for 5 minutes at least twice a day. Listen to music you love and that makes you feel good. Avoid hard rock and similar loud genres. Classical music (Mozart, Vivaldi) is always a good choice.
3. Talk: In the second half of your pregnancy your baby can hear, see, feel and even experience movement. Speak to your baby often; he or she can feel the vibration of your voice and hears you at increased loudness. Your baby is most allert from 8pm to midnight, so use that time to really speak to your baby. Include the father so your baby can also start to recognize his voice. Research shows that if this is done daily, your baby will recognize both voices immediately after birth.
