Hush little baby, twinkle twinkle little star and baa baa black sheep are songs that most of us are familiar with, and may well have been our favourite lullaby when we were younger.

Recent research has found that expectant mothers singing lullabies to their unborn infant can reduce crying in newborns.

The research monitored two groups. One group was asked to sing to their bump through to birth, and to continue singing to their newborn after the birth, while a second group was monitored that didn't sing.

The results showed that the babies who were sung to whilst in the womb cried just under 10 per cent less than those who weren't sung to.

The research also looked at the effect lullabies had on babies who had colic. This showed that compared with babies who weren't sung to, these babies cried for approximately a quarter less of the time than their counterparts.

Using a measurement called the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale it was found that postnatal bonding was higher in the singing group too.

I have always been a great believer in talking, singing, and using touch to connect with your bump and baby. Even if your singing voice isn't a great one your bump and baby will rejoice in the sound of it.

This research - which was undertaken by the University of Milan and published in the journal Woman and Birth - proves it is a great way to start this most wonderful relationship you are about to embark on, and that the connection you make with your baby in the womb will help to ensure you have a happy, contented newborn.

See: www.parentandbabycoach.co.uk

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