As an expectant mother, chances are you have about a thousand different emotions running through your body at any given time. You’re excited for the little one to arrive, anxious to have everything prepared and maybe even a little nervous to see how a new baby will change the current family dynamic. You might even wonder about how you and your baby will bond. However, did you know that you can begin bonding with your baby bump before he or she is even born?

This is called prenatal bonding, and, according to Fit Pregnancy, “It’s one of the many great ways to foster a meaningful emotional connection with your baby, even while he or she is still in the womb.” In fact, Laurel Wilson, B.S., I.B.C.L.C., a childbirth educator and co-author of The Greatest Pregnancy Ever, states, “We’re discovering more and more that the health of the mother—including her mental health—affects her growing baby… When the mother is feeling happy and relaxed, her baby benefits, too.”

Prenatal bonding allows you to relate with your baby during the pregnancy, establishing a meaningful connection before the baby is even born. And for the vast majority of women, it’s a process, rather than a single moment. Today we discuss some ways to enjoy prenatal bonding, and aid you along the path of a happy, healthy and relaxed pregnancy with your baby.

Talking

One of the simplest ways to bond with your baby is simply by talking to him or her throughout the pregnancy. While this might sound a little silly—after all, the baby is still technically inside of your belly—it’s been proven to be extremely effective for both you and your developing fetus. In fact, even though you can’t hear your baby, the baby can still hear the outside world, and your voice is the most important part.

Take time to relax and spend quality alone time with your little one by simply talking or singing to them in order to establish a deeper connection. Talking now will even help your baby better recognize your voice and attach to you quicker post-birth. Talk about anything at all; say good morning, talk about your day or tell a story. As long as you’re talking, the baby is listening.

Music

With talking and singing comes the integral bonding value of music. Music has already become a popular method for many mothers to use during prenatal bonding. According to Tiny Love, “From the second trimester, a baby’s hearing is developed enough to respond to outside noise. Studies conducted show that many babies are calmed by classical music and agitated by rock or heavy metal music.”

Be sure to listen to soft, gentle music on a consistent basis. Or, grab a pair of headphones to wrap around your belly for the baby to have an upfront and personal show. Even after birth, babies may have an affinity towards certain types of music through of a subconscious recognition because they listened to it while still in the womb. Relax and enjoy prenatal bonding time with your little one through peaceful music.

Massage

You may have heard of an infant massage for your little one after he or she is born, but have you ever thought a prenatal massage while your baby is still a bump? A prenatal massage is perfect for you and your developing fetus, as it helps relax and ease both of you. It’s also a great way to introduce your baby to soft, firm human touch.

After the first three months of the pregnancy, take time to gently massage cream or oil onto your baby bump. Be sure to rub in a gentle manner, with soft pressure on your abdomen. Get into a consistent habit and ritual as a relaxing time for you and the baby. Depending on how far along you are, the little one might even respond by kicking or changing positions. During this time, you could even incorporate talk or music, to really establish a bonding period for both of you.

Reading

While talking and music are definitely wonderful, reading is the perfect way to engage your baby and encourage an atmosphere of learning before he or she is even born. Consider reading some of your favorite children’s books from when you were young, or check with local libraries and bookstores to find new and popular items. Verywell Family says, “You can do this from the very beginning of pregnancy, but it is particularly good in the second half of the pregnancy.” During the second half of the pregnancy, your baby has developed its senses enough to hear and even recognize your voice as your read.

Reading is also the ideal way to involve your significant other in the bonding process. Have them read a book aloud with you during a relaxing time of the day, such as in the morning or evening, and see how the baby responds. While bonding should be specifically geared to the mother and baby, it’s also an excellent way for the whole family to feel connected even while the baby is still in the womb.

Prenatal bonding is an important and valuable way to keep you and your new little bundle of joy relaxed, happy and healthy during the pregnancy. Try out some of these techniques when you want to unwind and spend quality alone time with your baby bump.