Baby's Feelings
Myth: Your baby is born as a blank slate and begins to form her personality after birth.
Fact: Babies are emotionally sensitive in the womb. Emotional experiences before birth shape brain development.
Experiencing bliss and security in pregnancy inclines your baby to feel loved and loving after birth. Feeling distressed or afraid in pregnancy may cause restless behaviour after birth. Sceince now shows that what babies feel during pregnancy influences their tendency to happiness/anxiety right into adulthood.
You can't determine your baby's responses to life, yet many of the actions you take during pregnancy will have an impact on what your baby is exposed to - and you have an opportunity to offer a beneficial environment.
The more safe and loved your baby feels, the more positive this is for his or her brain development, and it may help secure bonding after birth.
Practical suggestions
- Talk to your baby. You can do this silently at first, or out loud in private. You’ll soon get used to it – don’t worry, you’re not crazy! This is important stuff.
- Get in touch with your baby through singing, dance, touch (stroke your belly), focused breathing and thoughts.
- Welcome your baby: simply acknowledge your baby’s fundamental humanity.
- Let your baby know you love her or him. Frequent exposure to your ‘love hormones’ supports healthy brain development and lays a strong foundation for your baby to be able to enjoy close, loving relationships.
- Look after your needs. When you feel loved, supported and nourished it will be easier for you to communicate lovingly with your baby. If you are a ‘strong’ person, or a high achiever it may take some practice to see where support could help, and to introduce variety, enjoyment and relaxation into your days. The Babiesknow team can provide some coaching on this if you’d like …