Have you ever pondered over the fascinating sensation of a baby’s first kick? I certainly did, long before I even became pregnant. The wait seemed endless, especially given the placement of my placenta which cushioned my little one’s movements, making those initial kicks more elusive.
Yet, as the season shifted from the torrid summer to a refreshing fall, mirroring the changes outside, my pregnancy transformed. The telltale baby bump appeared, my vitality returned, my appetite was back on track, and voilà, the much-anticipated baby kicks arrived! Instead of the often-mentioned “fluttering,” to me, it felt like bubbles popping.
Picture this: A sunny Friday afternoon, and “Cleopatra” by the Lumineers serenading me from the car speakers, a tune my husband and I adore. As I sang along, I felt that distinctive POP POP POP. My initial thought? “Is it just an odd tummy rumble or…?” I’d been waiting eagerly for this sensation. Every passing week saw me answering “No, not yet” to the oft-asked question, “Have you felt the baby kick?”
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The melodic words, “But I was late for this, late for that, late for the love of my life…” flowed, and there it was again — the bubble-like kicks. An inner instinct whispered that it was my baby boy, reaching out to me in his own way.
From then on, “Cleopatra” became our anthem. Each drive to work or back home, I sang it, not just because it was a cherished song, but in the hopes of feeling those bubble-kicks. And every time, it felt like a greeting exchanged between us. Was he simply enjoying the rhythm, or maybe pleading for me to quiet down? I’d like to think he was just saying “Hi, mom!”
Music’s Magical Moments in Pregnancy
It’s not just my story; music plays a transformative role during pregnancy. Here’s why:
- Bonding Session: Just as “Cleopatra” became our little secret handshake, playing or singing music to your unborn child can foster a connection, establishing early moments of bonding.
- Stimulating Development: Research suggests that unborn babies can hear and respond to music by the 25th week. Playing music can stimulate their auditory development, and who knows, even cultivate their musical inclinations!
- Relaxation for Both: Music can calm the mother’s nerves, leading to a more peaceful environment for the baby. When mom’s relaxed, baby can be too.
- Dance of the Womb: Some believe that the rhythm can encourage babies to move or kick, almost like they’re dancing in response!
Next time you’re in the car, or just lounging around at home, maybe play a tune or two for your little one. Whether it’s classical, jazz, or pop, it might just become the anthem of your pregnancy!
Babies Remember Melodies
What I found most fascinating after he was born was not just his reaction to music in general, but more specifically his reaction to certain songs and artists. Interestingly enough, studies have been conducted that suggest babies can remember music played while they were in the womb (source).
Artists that I was obsessively listening to all day at work and at home during my pregnancy seemed to get the strongest reaction from him, like “Cleopatra” by the Lumineers. He becomes so alert towards the music; so focused and calm. Realizing this has helped a lot when he has fallen into a fussy spell. Unhappy in the car — turn up the music. Teething aches and pains — turn up the music.
Does he have a favorite artist? I have to admit, he reacts the BEST towards Taylor Swift. While pregnant I took him to her 1989 concert and a few of her songs made my 9-hour work playlist. I can’t blame him for finding her music comforting. I exposed him to it for nine months in the womb and now seven months outside! I feel very responsible for this attachment he has to her music, but I am so thankful for the comfort he finds in it.
A Symphony of Motherhood Advice
For all the expecting mothers out there, here’s my golden piece of advice: embrace music throughout your pregnancy and beyond. Those melodious moments will not only be a soothing balm for you but also create lasting memories for your little one. You might just discover their first favorite song before they even take their first step! So go ahead, craft your pregnancy playlist, and let the melodies create memories.
