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Reading about your baby’s development, and talking to your partner about baby all counts as baby bonding time.
Some parents like to give baby or bump a nickname so they have an affectionate way to refer to baby.
Evidence shows that learning about how baby is growing mentally and physically, and discussing it with those who will be involved in baby’s life, can help baby’s brain development and help the parent-to-be prepare for the journey to parenthood.
Taking time out to focus on the baby can also help you to manage stress.
Reducing stress during pregnancy is particularly important to avoid prolonged exposure to the stress hormone, cortisol. This can impact on the growth and development of the unborn baby, and can also result in them being unsettled and difficult to soothe after birth.
Pregnancy can be a busy time, so it can be helpful to make specific plans about when and how to do this to help you prioritise stress-reducing and baby bonding activity in each day.
Your midwife or children’s centre may have details of local classes such as pregnancy yoga or aqua natal which often include some time to bond with baby, and help you manage stress.
UNICEF Manual [link needed]
