Garbha Sanskār: Development starts in the womb
We were recently blessed with a baby girl. During the pregnancy, we engaged in the ancient Hindu science of Garbha Sanskār — developing the brain of the child and instilling values and virtues whilst in the womb. We did this through an amazing online Garbh Sanskār course — Dream Child.
Often, parents start to think about the development of their child after birth, however, science and research are proving that 80% of a child’s development happens whilst in the womb. A large amount of time and opportunity has been missed in a child’s development if parents wait until the child's physical birth.
“Garbh“ means womb and “Sanskār“ means virtues or values. Garbha Sanskār is the ancient Vedic Hindu science of developing and instilling virtues within a child in the womb, i.e. during pregnancy. It is the first of the 16 human sanskārs as prescribed in Hindu culture. In fact, there is an entire scripture based on Garbha Sanskār known as the Garbha Upanishad (Garbhopanishad).
Below is a short brief highlighting the key aspects of Garbh Sanskār.
The 5 senses
All 5 of the mother’s basic human senses reach the child in the womb. What you see, what you listen to, what you eat and taste, what you think, what you feel and what you smell are all absorbed by the unborn child.
Talk to your unborn child
This may seem weird at first, but ensure you speak to your unborn child — describe what you are doing, say good morning and good night to them, let them know it’s time to eat and what you will be eating etc. Although you can’t physically see them, they are there and can start to hear from around 15 weeks of pregnancy.
A positive and happy environment
It is important that the mother’s relations with all are positive. Avoid negativity as much as possible. The mother must be happy and have a positive mindset throughout pregnancy. Feelings are powerful and also reach the child, so try to ensure a positive and happy environment.
The 4 elements of personality development
There are 4 areas of one’s personality — physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual. All 4 can be developed throughout pregnancy through various means.
Physical Development
1. Sātvik Diet
- Eat pure, fresh, organic food and drink such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, fresh fruit juices etc.
- 10 to 12 glasses of water a day
- Avoid processed and refined food and drink, high sugar/salt, deep fried foods, overly spicy, caffeine etc.
2. Yoga is great for preparing the body for birth. Asanas for stretching and strength building and pelvic floor/kegel exercises are also highly recommended for preparing the body for birth.
3. Prānāyām, mainly Nadi Shudhi/Anulom-Vilom (alternate nostril breathing) is good to do for around 10 to 15 mins a day.
4. Walking (minimum 20 mins and up to 60 mins per day)
5. Sleep and rest
- 8 hours sleep
- No phone/screen time 1 hour before sleep
- Sleep no later than 11 pm
Intellectual Development
1. Do logic and reasoning exercises
2. Read/listen to intellectual and knowledge-stimulating stories
- Stories from the Rāmāyan and Mahābhārat
- Stories of great personalities e.g. Shri Rāma, Shri Krishna, Sitā Mātā, Chānakya, Shivaji Mahārāj, Mahārānā Pratāp, Jhānsi Ki Rāni, Ahalyābai Holkar, Swāmi Vivekānanda etc.
- Moral stories e.g. from Panchtantra
- Vikram-Baitāl stories
3. Study general knowledge and early school curriculum
4. 5 Senses stimulation and relaxation
- Listening to calm and classical music
- Drawing and painting
- Knitting etc.
5. Memory games and exercises
- Learn and memorise one shloka/mantra per week
- Play memory-building games
Emotional/Moral Development
1. Sadgun Vārtā: imbibing good qualities through talks and words
- Moral and ethical stories
2. Garbha Samvād (speak positive things to your unborn child)
- Talk about your day
- Start giving confidence and love even before birth
- Positive and encouraging words
- Narrate to them what you’re doing e.g. let’s eat, let’s have some water
3. Music therapy
4. Positive visuals
- Visualise and think about what you want your child to be like
5. Write a diary
- Let out all feelings, especially negative feelings
Spiritual Development
1. Spiritual rituals
- Ārti
- Pujā
- Mālā etc.
2. Spiritual recitations
- Recitation of shlokas and mantras
- Aum chanting
- Bhagavad Gitā reading
3. Daily prārthana
4. Dhyān (meditation)
- Minimum 10 to 15 mins
- Think of the ātma and paramātma
5. Develop compassion and selflessness (feeling of Sewā)
Recommended Garbha Sankār Course
During our pregnancy, we came across an amazing online Garbh Sanskār course — Dream Child. Dream Child are a group based in Gujarat, India that provides a personalised practical 9 months daily activity-based online Garbh Sanskār course via their mobile app. This App delivers;
- Daily 25+ Activities
- Online Workshops
- Online Weekly Classes
- Personal Counselling and Physical Pregnancy Material Kit
- And much more
Further reading
- Dream Child Blogs: https://www.dreamchild.in/blog
- Garbh Sanskār in Pregnancy: Benefits and Practices — https://www.imumz.com/post/garbh-sanskar-in-pregnancy-benefits-and-practices
