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REFLECTION & PRACTICE

Language Begins in the Womb

A baby’s first world is made partly of sound: voices, songs, the rhythms of speech. In this video, a Wolastoqey doula shares how families can speak and sing to their baby before birth, then welcome them into the world with language. 

  • Becca Ireland reflects on speaking and singing to babies during pregnancy. She considers how language can be included in birth planning and shares her hope for a new generation of Wolastoqey “born speakers.” 

  • Julia Gale, Eskasoni First Nation, Nova Scotia, talks about whose responsibility it is to teach and guide children and the important roles of parents/caregivers and grandparents.

The First Welcome 

Before a baby can see the world, they are already listening. In the later months of pregnancy, familiar words, voices and songs can become part of the world they know. 

In the video, the doula speaks of her hope for Wolastoqey “born speakers”: children who hear their language from the very beginning. Parents might practice the words they hope to use after birth, while partners, relatives and other loved ones can join by speaking, singing or sharing stories. 

Language can also find a place in preparations for labour and birth. A family might choose a song or the words they hope will welcome their baby into the world. A doula or support person can help communicate these wishes to the care team. Birth does not always follow the path we imagine, but naming what matters can help make room for it. 

No one needs to wait for fluency. A single phrase or song, learned from someone the family trusts and returned to with care, can be a meaningful place to begin. 

Ideas for Your Practice

Invite expectant families to consider: 

  • Is there a word, phrase or song they would like their baby to hear during pregnancy? 
  • Who could help them learn or record it? 
  • Would they like language included in their birth preferences? 
  • Who could help carry those wishes into the birth room? 

Early Learning Professionals can also use a familiar greeting learned from local speakers. When language is heard naturally and without pressure, it can become easier for families to join in. 

SCENARIO FOR REFLECTION

An expectant parent wants to speak or sing to their baby in their language. They know only a few words and worry about saying them incorrectly. How could you help them begin without turning language into another thing they must get right? Who might they want beside them as they learn? 

Explore More Within TREES

  • More videos related to early learning and pregnancy are housed on the Video library
  • MFI offers curriculum and learning resources focused on early learning.
  • Using MFI’s Early Years Toolbox resource? This reflective activity is related to the Toolbox Card Talking to Your Unborn Baby
  • Visit a post to consider how children encounter language through greetings, conversations and stories throughout the early years.

TAKE YOUR LEARNING FURTHER

  • Latuwewakon from the Wolastoqey Tribal Council Inc. explores the history of Wolastoqey as an oral language carried through stories, songs and teachings. It also shares current language resources, programs and learning opportunities. 
  • The Cree Literacy Network has information on events and classes, resources, videos and Cree teachings from elders and knowledge keepers across Cree territories.
  • Anishinaabemdaa created by the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians share stories, videos and resources in Anishinaabemowin.
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2026 © The Martin Family Initiative. All rights reserved.

The Training & Resources for Early Education & Schools (TREES) Network is a space for delivering and accessing culturally appropriate training, professional development, resources, communities of practice and mentorship opportunities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous early learning professionals working with Indigenous children and families.

By coming together across communities, organizations and cultures, we can impact the bigger picture of Indigenous early education, child assessment and policy in Canada, so that Indigenous children will grow up proud of their culture and knowing that they belong.

The vision of the TREES Network is for early learning professionals to feel supported through training, resources and connections with others. The TREES Network strives to support early learning professionals to ground Indigenous children in their culture, nurturing stronger communities.

ACCESS TRAINING

The TREES Network supports access to culturally appropriate training and professional development for early learning professionals through the Understanding the Early Years course and Early Years Toolbox workshops. View upcoming trainings and workshops for your community through the Events Calendar.

EXPLORE RESOURCES

The TREES Network supports access to the Early Years Toolbox website, as well as access to accompanying resources through the Early Learning Library. Your access to resources is determined by your organization or community affiliation. Explore the Featured Partners page to view resources created by and in collaboration with Early Years partners.

CONNECT WITH OTHERS

To promote relationship-building and relational learning, the TREES Network provides opportunities for early learning professionals to build connections across the country. You can check out the Events Calendar to find events related to the early years, view the Interactive Map of early years services in different regions, or learn more about Supportive Circles as spaces to come together with others locally or across communities to share thoughts, ideas and support.

CREATE IMPACT

The TREES Network strives to create spaces through which we can collectively impact the bigger picture of Indigenous early learning in Canada. Learn about how Early Years sites are doing this through Early Years approach innovations, and about the important work many other organizations are doing to influence policy, curriculum, access to funding supports and program evaluation.

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