Playing with the unborn baby

I've been offline for a week, which has made for a refreshing change. It's interesting how we get so used to having access to technology that when we don't have it we almost feel at a loss. This week I've taken it as an opportunity to play more.

Playing is great fun, both with an unborn child and with your children. I'm not usually alpha mum and not ashamed to admit it - my children are happy & balanced and that's all that matters at the moment. After all they are only 2 and 4. But this week I have spent more time cutting out glittery fish than working and I've loved it.

With pregnancy playing with your unborn child can be great for bonding and for making you take time out to enjoy focusing on the changes that are taking place in your body. If you touch or massage your baby as it moves around inside you, be aware of how its movements - echo the trace and touch of your hand. Talking, singing and reading to your baby are all ways of playing and not only create a relaxing environment for your baby but help you to adjust mentally and emotionally to the arrival of a new family addition.

Having a baby is a big transition - as you moveinto a new stage of your life. I think that getting used the presence of a new little person from before birth to after is very important for both new parents and can help with bonding. Women that have used techniques like this as part of hypnosis for childbirth show reduced signs of post natal depression, and I'm sure that preparing not just for the birth but the changes in your life after birth are essential for adjusting after the birth.

So enjoy playing - get in touch with your inner child and be creative! Now back to those glittery fish.....