5 Ways to Bond with Your Baby Before Birth

Being Pregnant


Bonding with your baby before birth is something that's important to many women. It's fun to "get to know" the little person you're carrying. It's not always easy, though, especially if you don't know the sex of the baby or don't have a name picked out! But there are lots of ways that you can bond with your baby no matter what.

Here are 10 ways you can bond with your baby before birth!

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1) Focus on bonding

You have to want to bond with your baby. Make it an active priority in your life. Just like bonding doesn't "just happen" with other people, it won't "just happen" with your baby, either.

2) Call your baby by name (or a nickname)

If you've chosen your baby's name, use it when you talk about him/her. If you haven't chosen a name yet, think of a special nickname or something else you can call the baby that is unique. If s/he has some "identity," you will feel like it more real.

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3) Take special times each day to think about the baby

You're busy, but it's important to think about the baby everyday. Maybe when you go pee five hundred times a day, you think about your baby growing has caused this habit! Or maybe when you get a snack, you think about the baby. Or maybe just when you sit down to get ready for bed. But make a point to actively think about your baby - how is he doing? Is he active or quiet today? What does his personality seem to be like? (Yes…they're different even before they're born!)

4) Lie down and feel/watch the baby move

Once your baby's bigger, you'll be able to see and feel her move a lot. When you have time - maybe before bed - lie down and just watch and feel the baby move. You'll get to know how she moves, and you'll get to experience her. Feel for her feet and hands once she's big enough that you can notice individual body parts.

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5) Plan ahead for the baby

Think about the baby when you plan for the future. If you're thinking about an activity that will occur after the baby's born, think about what the baby will be doing then (for example, I'm planning my older kids' fall activities - so I think about how I will take the baby with me too!). Plan what clothes you'll need, what other items you need, when you'll get the first pictures done, and so on. If you have "things" for him or her, s/he's more real.

For 5 more ways to bond with your baby before birth, visit Babble.

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