An advert for “Music for the Unborn Baby” in a magazine caught our attention. According to the maker's claims, listening to this specially formulated music regularly for a few weeks would lead to a better birth, a more alert and calm newborn, and an intelligent, confident child who walks early. So we gave it a go. It starts of with a rhythmic pulsing sound, and one by one, more elements are added - each stage being played twice a day for 1 to 2 weeks.

‘Bump’ (as Rachael was affectionately known before birth) regularly responded to the music, often moving excitedly when it came on. Labour started off much quicker than average, but, unfortunately for both mother and baby, the ‘better birth’ bit didn't come true and Rachael spent the first night in the special care baby unit. However, when she was just 1 day old, she was already trying to lift her head, and was very calm in general as a newborn.

A year down the line, although Rachael is intelligent, she only took her first steps the day before her first birthday, so the ‘walking early’ claim also failed to materialise. However, this seemed to be more because she lacked confidence rather than ability! Whether or not it is related, we don't know, but Rachael does love her music, and often asks for music using sign language.