Finally, a gift for expectant fathers! I have to admit, I was skeptical when I heard about a Danish company creating a bracelet that allows dads-to-be to feel their unborn child’s movements on their wrist. My initial reaction was a mix of disbelief and curiosity, prompting me to dive deeper into this unique invention.
The startup, First Bond Wearables, was founded by three Danish jewelry design students inspired by their studies in wearable tech. They conceptualized the bracelet, dubbed the Fibo, after observing families in their Copenhagen neighborhood.
Sandra Nilsen, the lead researcher at First Bond Wearables, explained to The Daily Post, “We aimed to engage fathers—or female partners—more in the pregnancy journey, as they can sometimes feel sidelined while the mother experiences all the physical changes and the baby’s growth.”
How Does the Fibo Work?
So how does the Fibo actually function? During the third trimester, pregnant women wear a device that tracks their baby’s movements. This data is then transmitted to the Fibo, which features four small beads that simulate the baby’s kicks and turns by moving against the wearer’s wrist. As reported, this allows the partner to feel the baby’s movements in real-time.
Several points come to mind. First, it takes a remarkably generous pregnant woman to wear a monitoring device during the final months of pregnancy just so her partner can feel a gentle tap on the wrist while they enjoy their freedom. Second, a hand resting on the belly seems far more intimate than beads rolling around on a wrist—an image that I find somewhat unsettling. Lastly, this bracelet might spark some disagreements. Picture this scenario: a pregnant woman asks, “Honey, where’s your Fibo? I thought you wanted to bond with our baby?” to which her partner replies, “Eh, I took it off. It got irritating.” The response from the mother will likely be less than supportive, given that she’s dealing with the physical challenges of pregnancy daily.
Why the Wrist?
One might wonder why the developers chose the wrist as the location for this experience. Surprisingly, surveys indicated that most participants preferred their wrist. According to Nilsen, many fathers wanted the device to be visible, allowing them to showcase their impending fatherhood. This revelation raises its own questions about the types of men who prioritize visibility over the direct experience of pregnancy.
A Keepsake for the Future
The team at First Bond Wearables envisions the Fibo as a keepsake that transcends pregnancy. “The movements recorded can be transformed into a piece of jewelry for families to cherish after the baby arrives,” Nilsen mentioned. However, I’m skeptical; how often do people genuinely revisit old videos or memorabilia? “Hey, let’s relive that moment from last December when we felt the baby kick!” doesn’t sound like a common conversation starter.
While we appreciate the effort to include partners in the pregnancy experience—especially in cases such as surrogacy—many might find it hard to embrace this concept fully. Unless partners are also going to experience the heartburn and other daily struggles of pregnancy, there may be a disconnect that makes this bracelet feel inadequate.
Further Resources
For more insights into pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource: RMANY Blog. And if you’re seeking guidance on self-insemination, BabyMaker offers a well-rounded perspective. You can also explore more about the process at Intracervical Insemination.
Summary
The Fibo bracelet, developed by a Danish company, aims to help fathers feel their unborn babies’ movements through a wearable device. While the intention is to foster bonding, concerns arise regarding the practicality and emotional connection it provides compared to traditional experiences. For those navigating the complexities of pregnancy and insemination, various resources are available to enhance understanding and connection.