Your baby’s sexual development begins during pregnancy.

I am referring not only to the actual physical development of organs that determine sex but also to the beliefs and experience around sex to which she is exposed in the womb

Armed with this knowledge you can set your baby on the path to an empowering, positive experience of her sexuality and a very healthy attitude towards sex.

For example, let her know when you are pleasuring yourself or making love ….reminding her that we were given wonderful bodies to enjoy ourselves and each other.

Bring her attention to how good it feels to be with somebody with whom you share a mutual love and respect. Model to her the joy of receiving love and enjoying your body.

When a request is made by either of you in love-making, bring that too to her attention, letting her know that it is always ok to ask for what you want.

If you or your partner are not in the mood, honour that by expressing it… thereby demonstrating to your baby that it issafe to communicate your feelings -that you are not responsible for meeting the needs of your partner (or visa versa).

Before orgasm, prepare your baby. Tell her that she will feel contractions in the womb but that it is not yet time to be born. Suggest to her that she enjoy the sensations and the feelings of love.

These comments will support your baby in being comfortable in her own sexuality and expression of same. It will also prepare you both for very healthy conversations about sexuality when she is older.

Sex is beautiful. It is how we all we began.

Shame and guilt do not belong in our sexuality and we can begin now to ensure that our babies are born feeling a sense of wholeness, joy and self-respect around their bodies and their sexuality.

In joy,

Deirdre Morris