Why I’ve Loved Reading To Baby While Pregnant

When I was pregnant with Little G I was still teaching, so she got to listen to plenty of stories over the weeks. The children in my class used to love that she was there listening too and it helped them to bond with her as my bump grew and grew. Reading has always been second nature to me and so it made perfect sense that my baby would be included in my love for stories too.

When I was pregnant with LJ, I was no longer working but of course reading was a big part of mine and G’s day – so her little sister was included in story time too. Reading, no matter what the story can break through that bump barrier and bring you closer to your baby. I would be able to feel LJ wriggling away as I read aloud, knowing that she was hearing my voice and getting to know me – as I was getting to know her.

This pregnancy has been no different, we’ve read every single day- with my two little girls either side and my baby boy in the middle. I kn0w he can hear my voice and he definitely knows theirs. LJ in particular is very fond of talking to her baby and it makes me excited to see their relationship grow once he’s finally here.

Your voice is already shaping their understanding of the world.

I can remember getting my bump updates early on, telling me that baby now had ears and could hear my voice. I was so excited – finally I would be able to communicate with my precious little bundle. They say that around 23 weeks they are able to hear sounds from outside of the womb – I certainly noticed that he had an ear for music (especially if I sang along to the radio) and so I began introducing the girls to the idea that baby was listening in during story time too.

Not only has this helped them to think of baby as a real person, someone they will one day get to meet, but it has also allowed baby to bond with us. They say that babies remember certain sounds after birth and I really do think that talking to baby and getting other family members to talk to bump helps to form that bond. It can often seem a bit daft to chat away to a bump in the beginning (although you soon get past that) so reading is a great way to get started. Even if you don’t have children already, you can read them an article from a magazine or the works of Shakespeare – whatever works for you.

We were very lucky to be sent this gorgeous Small Story from Aptaclub – illustrated by Viviane Schwarz, a multi award winning illustrator. It is personalised with my name and baby for our baby boy. I’ve never been able to think of any nicknames for any of my babies while pregnant so they have all been ‘baby’. Either way, the story is just so lovely and I’ve read it to him with the girls many a time- I think I am going to print and frame it! Aptaclub want to help mums-to-be to find the right words when talking to their bump, to build a lifetime bond with their baby and their Small Stories are the perfect starting point.

They are going to be running a competition starting on the 13th September on the Aptaclub UK FB page, giving you the chance to win your own Small Story – personalised for you and your baby. Keep an eye out on their page and I will also be promoting it on my channels. Good luck and happy reading!