Voice From Within – Prenatal Music Classes for Pregnant Women

I love the work of Becky Bailey and "Conscious Discipline." She talks of the 4 elements of connection when working with children. Her work focusses on babies once they are born and beyond but what about before the baby is born? Regardless of the fact that you have not given birth yet, connection and communication is going on all the time with your unborn baby. Through your voice they are learning who you are, and research has shown that once born, they will not only recognize your voice, but also some words. Connection is essential to not only their emotional state but their brain growth. In a small study done in 1997, scientists discovered through CT imaging the difference it can make in brain size by the age of 3 years if a child has not had sensory stimulation. These 2 images are of children, both 3 years of age. The left one has had relatively "normal" experiences and stimulation and the one on the right was subject to extreme neglect with minimal sensory exposure. While a lot of that connection happens after birth, there are some things you can do now to connect with your child even though some avenues may be limited. The 4 main areas of connection Becky metions are: Eye contactPresenceTouchPlayfulness Obviously eye contact and direct touch are not available to you yet but indirect touch, presence and playfulness are. Here are some ways that you can connect in these ways: PRESENCE: This means you are totally with your child in the moment. Your body isn't going through the motions and your mind is thinking about something you forgot to do last night. You are there, right with them, engaged and present. Do this a couple of times a day. Stop, take time to talk to your baby and tell them how much you love them. We know this is a busy time with lots to do, but taking these moments every day to be present and purposefully with your baby will build a connection that will continue after birth. INTENTIONAL TOUCH: Although you can't touch your baby directly, you can touch and massage your tummy. The skin and brain are made up of the same embryonic tissue. The skin is the outside layer of the brain. Once born, when you touch your baby in a positive way, it creates a hormone that is essential to neural functioning and learning. Appropriate, caring touch is essential if we want happy, healthy, well functioning kids. Do this a couple of times a day. Stop, take time to talk to your baby and tell them how much you love them. We know this is a busy time with lots to do, but taking these moments every day to be present and purposefully with your baby will build a connection that will continue after birth. Connection is essential to not only their emotional state but their brain growth.Diana F Cameron While you are massaging and rubbing your tummy, sing to your child. Lullabies are soothing and promote calm. You don't need to be a great singer, your baby will love your voice no matter what it sounds like. Don't think if you sing out of tune you will teach your child to sing out of tune when they are gorn - it doesn't work that way. Your voice is what they know, it will soothe them, bring peace to them and connect with them. PLAYFULNESS: Did you know that being playful with your child increases Dopamine and increases attention spans and social development? Being playful also reinforces your emotional bond and helps to bring balance to a world where you need to discipline later on. You don't have to wait until your baby has been born to have playful interactions. Respond to their movements and their kicks. React verbally as well as physically when it happens so the baby can engage more than one sense. Being playful has many benefits both physically and emotionally and you can start right now. Don't Forget Bonding With Other Family Members It is also important for other members of the household to bond with your baby. Your significant other and any children you may have. That connection begins long before the birth. It can even help with sibling integration once the baby is born. They can hug the baby (your tummy), massage and gently touch, talk, sing and read to your baby. Your significant other may want to attend ultrasound appointments with you, building on that connection as time goes on. Your baby will recognise each of their voices when born and know they are the same people they have been hearing for months.

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