PREGNANCY
The effects of the mother's thoughts and emotions on the unborn child
The father's role in pregnancy
Planning ahead for working mothers
Diet and nutrition in pregnancy
Exposure to abuse and violence
THE EFFECTS OF THE MOTHER’S THOUGHTS AND EMOTIONS ON THE UNBORN CHILD
How can you best support the baby's growth and development during the pregnancy? Do your thoughts and feelings affect the baby? Pregnancy is a time of preparation, a time of many changes both inside and outside. Whether circumstances around the pregnancy are joyful or difficult, personally, socially or physically, it's a good time to make a fresh start, and to see this as the beginning of a new relationship to yourself and to the world. If it is possible, it can be of immense value both for you and the baby if you begin to cultivate reverence for what is happening and for who is to come. It often happens quite naturally that a feeling of profound awe wells up when we are confronted with the miracle of life. Or, it comes when you go for nature walks and think of the growing baby as you see beautiful things, as you look at beautiful artwork of mother and child, sing lullabies as you muse on the baby, or think of the child as you make something for them.
Arearea (detail) by Paul Gaugin
In traditions of ancient India, China, Arabia and other cultures around the world, pregnant women were surrounded with beautiful things and fine clothing. They were taught the arts of music, singing and painting, and fed exquisite foods blessed by the holy men. They were surrounded by beauty, music and were to think of goodness. This was believed to bring the unborn child talent and beauty. In Russia and ancient Asian countries, concerts were organized for pregnant women and their unborn children. In ancient China and India, women drew birds and plants during pregnancy and sang beautiful, gentle songs to their unborn babies. In some countries, it was not permitted to argue with a pregnant woman, and if it was inevitable, she was to have the last word! In other countries, the pregnant woman's behaviour was believed to affect the unborn baby, so they were to refrain from any cruelty or bad thoughts, and were to be protected from any trauma or shock.
It has long been known, and studies show, that the mother's emotional state and surroundings have a profound effect on the unborn child's health and development, as do the mother's thoughts towards the father, the pregnancy and the child. Any stress or strong emotion in the mother creates a reaction in the growing baby,[1] while a soothing activity such as singing to the baby has the effect of calming the mother, and so the baby, and increasing the blood flow in her body as well as the flow to the baby.
In our hectic world, it is all the more important that expectant mothers find ways to reduce stress and encourage a healthy and quiet inner life for themselves to counter the pressures of modern life. So, there may be wisdom in following the ancient traditions of the mother surrounding herself and filling her thoughts with goodness, calm and beauty. The more loving, gentle and calm you and those around you can be, the more you and the father cherish one another, the better for you and the baby.
See Lifestyle, habits and stress
ARTICLES
Samuels MD - Mother's emotions on unborn baby.htm
Dunbar Mother's thoughts on infant.pdf
Stress & Pregnancy, Fetal Affects, on MedicineNet.com.pdf
Winnicott - the mother's contribution to society.htm
Lozowick,Lee - good beginnings.htm
[1] Samuels, Mike, MD, and Nancy Samuels. The Well Baby Book. Summit Books, New York 1991
Hope II by Gustav Klimt
Conscious Parenting Guide www.consciousparentingguide.com 2009
Welcome About conscious parenting About the site Disclaimer and copyright Bibliography Site map Contact
Copyright © Julie Le Gal Brodeur 2009 Updated July 28, 2010