Bonding Before Birth: The Power of Prenatal Reading

Hey moms-to-be, it's time to read to your stomach! It's a great bonding experience, it can introduce them to sounds, and words, and even start them on the road to a love for reading, and that's all before they get here!  Even if they can't hear yet, it can calm both mom and baby. It doesn't matter what you read, as long as you and your womb dweller enjoy the book! 

Benefits of Reading to Your Baby During Pregnancy

As silly as it sounds, there really are benefits to reading to your baby before they arrive. From enhancing brain development, stimulating their hearing, helps with their language skills to help calm your baby. If you don't want to take some random blogger who scopes the internet to help her learn about how to bond with their baby or talk about ways to better their life, Terra Centre,The Green Child Magazine and Belly Belly all talk about the benefits of reading to your baby during pregnancy. And that's only three links talking about reading to your baby during pregnancy! 

How to Choose Books to Read to Your Baby

Yeah, I know I already said it doesn't matter what you read because it doesn't really matter. But if you're looking for a little guidance. Finding books that have rhythmic language, simple text, books that reflect different ways of life and books that make you feel good. If you're feeling good then they're feeling good. Some examples of books to read are, The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do you See by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle and Where's Spot by Eric Hill. 

Techniques and Tips for Reading to Your Baby During Pregnancy

Now that we have a suggestion about what to read, and know the benefits. Let's get to the fun part, the tips and the techniques, that make reading to your baby worthwhile for both you and your unborn baby. 

First things first, it's best to create a relaxing environment for you to read. Dim the lights, find somewhere with little distractions, play some nice relaxing music, and get comfortable. Some places that may be comfortable, especially for those that are farther along are a cozy chair, your bed, or maybe a pile of pillows on the floor. Be warned that if it's done correctly, you may fall asleep while you're reading! If you don't want to fall asleep, pick a time of day that you're more likely not to fall asleep.

Now that we're comfortable and ready to read, use a gentle tone, but vary your volume and pace to give the book its story magic. You don't need to be a Hollywood actress to read a book, and sometimes it's difficult to read with a pace, tone, or volume that you're happy with, but that's okay, it takes practice and practice makes perfect! When your read, incorporate some soft touches and rocking motions. 

If you're having trouble finding time to read to your baby, you can carry a book with you wherever you are or read to your baby while you're taking a break from work. Don't get too upset if you can't finish your book, because of time restrictions. You can finish the book another time. 

Conclusion

Reading is great at any age, even when your baby isn't here yet. You're still able to promote language development and bond with your baby. Relaxing and reading a book is great for mom and baby.  Let's all share a love for reading.