Bonding with the bump

Because I suffered a miscarriage in the past and because I am considered "advanced maternal age," a lot of things about this pregnancy have freaked me out. I spent the first trimester in an almost constant state of worry ("almost constant" because nausea has a way of pushing other thoughts out of your head).

I know my anxiety isn't good for the baby and have been able to find ways to calm my fears and start to look ahead.

Recently, I read this article from WebMD about Bonding with Baby Before Birth. I found this part interesting:

Studies have shown that babies -- who begin hearing by the 18th week of pregnancy -- prefer classical music (Mozart and Vivaldi are good standbys), or any music that mimics the mother's heart rate of 60 beats per minute (lullabies and New Age music, for example). Hard rock is not the way to go here, especially since the amniotic fluid amplifies the sound.

I was always kind of skeptical about people playing classical music for their unborn babies, but now that I'm a mom-to-be, I think I'll have to try it. I know that listening to classical and/or New Age music helps me sleep when my mind doesn't want to turn off for the night.

Maybe I shouldn't be playing guitar or singing for baby -- I'm not that talented. And I had no idea the amniotic fluid amplifies the sound.

The article also tells me it's a good idea to touch my belly, either resting my hands quietly or gently massaging. I've done that. Something I haven't done that the article suggests is talking to Baby.

Talk to the baby. Say goodnight before you go to bed, good morning when you wake up, and talk to it throughout the day. "Newborns know their mom's voice after birth," (Marilee Hartling) says. "That's the voice they will turn to."

So, let me give it a try:

Good morning, Baby. I hope you slept well, because -- and this isn't a criticism -- you are really starting to make my hips hurt and make it hard for Mommy to sleep. But you know, I'm sure you're going to keep me awake a lot more than that and sooner than it seems. And I'm really looking forward to it. I can't wait to meet you.