How to connect with your bump
A guest blog post from Daisy Searle of The Birthing Hub, a Hypnobirthing teacher based in East Sussex all about how to connect with your baby before birth. Many thanks to Daisy for writing this.
You don’t have to wait until birth to start bonding with your baby - your connection begins during pregnancy. Taking time to tune in can help you feel calmer, more connected, and emotionally ready for the journey into parenthood.
Here are a few gentle ways to build that bond:
1. Speak or Sing to Your Baby
From around 18–20 weeks, your baby can start to hear your voice. Whether you’re chatting, reading a book aloud, or singing softly, your voice becomes a source of comfort that they’ll continue to recognise after birth. And this isn’t just the case for the pregnant person. Having your partner talk to your bump (as weird as it might feel), will help your baby to recognise their voice too.
2. Gentle Touch and Belly
Resting your hands on your bump and focusing on your baby can be a grounding daily ritual. A light massage with a favourite oil can help you feel relaxed while creating a moment just for the two of you.
3. Use Visualisation Techniques
Hypnobirthing visualisations are a lovely way to imagine your baby growing safely and to picture the kind of birth experience you want. These mental images help deepen your connection while reducing anxiety.
4. Acknowledge Your Baby’s Movements
Every kick or flutter is your baby’s way of connecting with you. Take a few moments to pause, smile, and respond. Your baby may even go back and forth with you and these little exchanges are the beginning of your unique bond.
5. Take a Pregnancy Yoga class
A pregnancy yoga class is a great way to take some time out and connect with your baby during pregnancy. It can also ease some of those pregnancy aches and pains and teach you useful breathing techniques and positions for giving birth (which we go into detail in on one of my hypnobirthing courses). If you are pregnant and living in Solihull, check out Sally’s pregnancy yoga. I did them in both of my pregnancies and still go to her Mum Yoga classes now!
Bonding doesn’t have to be complicated - it’s about slowing down and finding small moments of presence. However you connect, your love is already reaching your baby in the most powerful ways.
