Singing to your baby bump good for the unborn child: experts

Moms-to-be, please note! Singing to your baby bump can help you relax by releasing the 'happy hormone' and also bond with your unborn child as it helps the baby recognise the mother's voice, experts say.

In a new trend across UK, a mom-to-be singing workshop is being carried out at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital; one of a growing number of classes using singing to help women prepare for birth, the Daily Mail reported.

Advocates claim singing helps mothers relax by increasing levels of endorphins and the happy hormone serotonin.

Mothers can bond with their unborn child as singing helps the baby recognise the mother's voice.

The breathing techniques learnt in singing classes also alleviate pain during labour, experts say.

This particular course - called Wombsong - is the first of its kind to be offered free to National Health Service patients, but private classes are also offered across UK.

"Singing will help control and slow the breath. Using those techniques to breathe deeply and slowly in labour can really calm your muscles and body," Maya Waldman, the teacher responsible for Wombsong, said.

The class begins with exercises to warm up the voice and body before the class launches into a Polynesian rowing song — chosen for its simplicity and soothing melody.

"The songs are generally easy to learn and you don't have to feel confident about singing in order to come," said Maya.

"A baby's hearing develops very early in pregnancy. So you can use the same songs when the baby is born. If they're upset or agitated they will be calmed by songs they recognise," Maya said.

The class - mainly consisting of professional women — agree Wombsong is a good way to relax and focus on their unborn babies.
"It has really helped me enjoy my pregnancy," said one first-time mom.