Are you an expectant parent? Want to learn more about how to connect with your baby during pregnancy? There are some activities that you and your partner/support person can do to help build a positive and healthy attachment with your baby.
Prenatal attachment is the unique loving relationship that develops between a parent and their unborn baby.
Tips to promote attachment with your baby:
- set aside a quiet time to spend with your baby.
- feel the baby’s movement
- have attachment moments when the baby kicks;
- encourage your partner/support person to notice baby’s movement
- recite a rhyme, tell a story and sing to the baby
- listen to soothing music with your baby
- call the baby by name
- think about items needed for the baby
- speak positively about your baby
- keep a diary during pregnancy
- write your thoughts and feelings about the baby
Attachment with a baby often shows in a parent’s feelings, emotions and actions that displays care and commitment to their baby
To have a healthy pregnancy, it’s important to:
- eat healthy
- avoid the use of harmful substances such as alcohol and illicit drugs
- see your health care provider regularly
- learn to relax, sleep and rest well
- be physically active
- learn about prenatal programs and services in your area
As a partner/support person, it’s important to:
- support your pregnant partner
- attend doctor’s visits and prenatal education classes together
- learn about the baby’s growth and development
- interact with baby in the tummy
- prepare for the baby’s arrival
- imagine yourself as a parent/support person
Every pregnancy and every person is unique; for some individuals attachment with a baby may start early in pregnancy, for others it may take longer.
Pregnancy is an ideal time to learn how to connect with your baby and develop a positive attachment.
To learn more about prenatal attachment: Â Connect with a Public Health Nurse via eChat or call (416)338-7600
