When My Toddler Recognized the Song I Played for Him in Utero

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My son and I share a special song—a melody that links us to a cherished moment in our journey together. I first introduced this tune to him while he was still nestled in my womb, so I thought it was solely my song. After all, how could a baby who was busy developing his fingers, toes, and ears possibly remember music from that time? Or so I believed.

As a first-time mom, I immersed myself in all the pregnancy literature I could find. I’ll admit, I didn’t get through all of it—between countless naps and frequent trips to the bathroom, my reading time was limited. One book mentioned that playing calming music for babies in utero could help them feel soothed by the same tunes after birth. This is how “Washing of the Water” by Peter Gabriel became our song. I tried other tracks, but none resonated like this one. Its beautiful lyrics and haunting melody seemed to create a bond between us.

Whenever I played our song, the little cantaloupe in my belly would pause and listen. As he grew, he’d move closer to my phone, resting on my bladder but making it worth the discomfort. It felt like our first conversation—a blend of physical presence and emerging emotional connection.

After he was born, I played our song, hoping for that same magical response. But instead of soothing us, it brought tears to my eyes. I longed for the days when it was just the two of us, hidden from the world. I wanted him to share that memory, but instead, the song became bittersweet, and I stopped listening to it. It faded away, much like those early morning feedings and tiny diapers. Little did I know, my son had not forgotten.

One day, while driving, I heard a tiny voice from the backseat ask, “Can you play the river song?” My husband and I exchanged puzzled glances. I assumed he must be referencing a different song about water.

“You mean ‘Singin’ in the Rain’?” my husband guessed.

“No, the river song!” he insisted.

In disbelief, I reached for my phone and played the song I hadn’t heard in nearly two years. “Is this the one you mean?” I asked.

“Yes!” he exclaimed, and in that moment, I was filled with awe. It was a beautiful reminder of our connection—one that proved to be both unexpected and extraordinary. While my little boy might not recall the song specifically, I hope he retains the warmth and love it represented.

For more insights on parenting, check out this blog post on intracervicalinsemination.com—it’s a great resource for navigating the complexities of pregnancy. If you’re looking for authoritative information on home insemination, visit Make A Mom—they have a range of helpful resources. And for a deeper understanding of the pregnancy journey, Healthline offers excellent information on IVF and related topics.

Summary

This article reflects on a mother’s emotional connection with her son through a special song she played for him while he was in utero. Despite the bittersweet feelings that emerged after his birth, a surprising moment of recognition from her toddler reaffirmed their bond, highlighting the enduring nature of love and memory.

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