5
Ideas for Stimulating Baby in the Womb and Beyond
1.
Read, talk to baby in the womb
2.
Sing a familiar song/rhyme to baby in the womb
3.
Stroke, massage your bump
4.
Shine a torch
5.
Ring a bell
Read on……….
In the womb baby can hear from 16 weeks gestation. Amazing
I know. They can hear the voices of the people around them and quickly
recognise and link the voice to the face when they are born.
I remember during my first pregnancy when baby was around
30 weeks, I went to see a local band, which were very good, but also very loud.
Baby (Gary) moved constantly during the first song, in a way that made me feel
uncomfortable. I might be wrong, but it appeared that he was over stimulated
and upset. I left the venue not long after that.
It is important to keep this in mind, baby can be over
stimulated. However, it is important to stimulate baby in the womb. Baby is very
sensory aware in the womb and beyond. They can hear from 16 weeks, they have
feelings, and can pick up on stress. They hear mums heart beating, for this reason, it is
important to keep them close after they are born. The sound of a heart beat
helps baby feel safe and secure. Equally, patting then on their back or bottom
reminds them of the feel and sound of mums heart when they were in the womb.
This gives then reassurance and helps to calm them when they become unsettled,
for whatever reason. Baby can also hear tummy rumbles and blood rushing through your body.
Making a sssshhhh sound when they are born, resembles the same sound, again
giving them reassurance and helping to calm them.
They feel your touch through
the walls of the womb, again this gives them reassurance. This is the beginning
of the bonding process. All expecting mums stroke their tummy during pregnancy,
whether they are aware of it or not. Baby enjoys being stroked and massaged, both
in the womb and beyond. This is great for mum and baby. This is a wonderful opportunity to relax and enjoy, time to communicate and get know your baby, while bonding.
Pop some lullaby music on in the background, talk, read, and sing, to baby. I
suggest singing a familiar nursery rhyme, such as Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
or maybe a family traditional rhyme. Something that you can continue to sing
after baby is born. Baby will remember this. It will remind them of being in
womb where it was cosy, warm, where all their needs were met.
From
around 20 week’s baby can see in the womb, they are aware of light. I guess it’s a bit like being under water and
seeing the light at the surface. Use a
torch to stimulate baby in the womb. Watch baby move and follow the
light as you move the torch across your bump.
Ringing
a small bell gentle beside your bump will stimulate baby to move, if
they are awake and not too tired. This is a great way to interact with baby before
they are born.
When baby is born, they rely on their senses to survive and
to find out about the world. The most important smell to baby at this time is
that of the people closest to them. No need for perfumed lotions, potions or
cream. They only mask the important scent of the people who care for and look
after baby’s needs.
No need to be quiet around baby, voices and familiar sounds
provide reassurance and baby is less likely to be startled by sudden sounds.
Watch this space for more to come………..
Best Wishes
Carol x
