Books before birth: a qualitative multiple case study of mothers reading to babies in utero

ABSTRACT

Background

This study is informed by research connecting parent–child book reading and attachment and by the concept of maternal-foetal attachment.

Aim

To explore experiences of pregnant mothers who read picture books marketed to be read while their babies are in utero.

Study Design

This study utilised a qualitative, multiple case study design involving 10 pregnant women from the Midwestern region of the United States. Participants read picture books marketed to be read by expectant families and participated in an interview focused on their experiences and reflections, and completed a follow-up survey 24–27 months later.

Results

Themes identified included (1) Learning and Love; (2) Seeing the Baby as a Person; (3) Natural or Weird?; (4) Fathers’ Involvement; (5) Slowing Down: Focusing on Now and Envisioning the Future; and (6) Who is this for?

Discussion

Findings suggest providing books to expectant families may be a promising practice and should be further researched.

KEYWORDS:

• Pregnancy
• maternal-foetal attachment
• parent-child book reading
• prenatal parenting
• mothers

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the families who participated in this study for offering their time and perspectives. This research was funded by a grant from the School of Health Science and Wellness at Northwest Missouri State University.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Northwest Missouri State University School of Health Science and Wellness.