No, not like giving knowledge of History or Civics or Mathematics. It's about creating happy and positive hormones in the mother that reach the baby through the bloodstream and later, when the baby is able to hear, send calming and peaceful messages.
Garbh Sanskar tells us that listening to harmonizing music or reading good text reaches positive qualities or “Satwa Guna” to the baby. He is affected by the mother’s good thoughts, her listening to pleasant music, and her reading stories of good deeds.
Mothers have immense powers, second only to God, to create certain qualities in us. Yes, women have the power of designing the human mind in the womb itself. The only time a human’s DNA can be changed is in the womb and mothers play the all-important role.
There is scientific evidence that proves that a baby in the womb can respond to external stimuli that impinge on mum-to-be. If she is not happy or is struggling with stress or fear during pregnancy, it creates negative pressure on the baby’s nervous system.
Want to read a book to know more? Here are some books (not in any particular order) that have good information.
Ayurvedic GarbhaSanskar : The Art and Science of Pregnancy
This book was originally written in Marathi by Dr Balaji Tambe and has been hailed as many as the Bible on Garbh Sanskar. The book covers topics from conceiving, pregnancy, and delivery to nurturing the little one for up to 2 years. The book further elaborates on various ancient Ayurvedic practices that lead to the complete well-being of the mother and child's physical, spiritual, and psychological health.
One review states: It is very useful for 1st time pregnant mom's especially diet during 9 months of pregnancy to follow is given in the book in simple language.
Garbh Sanskar: A Pilgrimage Within by Dr Archana Shukla
A Pilgrimage Within brings together various concepts in the rich Indian heritage under the umbrella of Garbh Sanskar. It integrates the social, psychological, physiological/biological concepts of conception, development of the foetus, and other medical issues through the lens of garbh sanskar. It also covers pre-pregnancy and post-partum care. Discussions on the bond of marriage, family counseling, parenting, and motherhood are some attractions of the book. The role of music, yoga, parenting, the Ayurvedic model of Garbh Sanskar, the nutritional and dietary issues, meditation, mindfulness, IVF/Surrogacy, and postpartum depression have also been addressed. Dr. Archana Shukla is faculty at the Department of Psychology, and Coordinator at the Institute of Women’s Studies, University of Lucknow.
One review says : It's an amazing book. Covers each and every aspect of pregnancy and child birth, whether its indigenous perspective, Nutrition, music, medicine, or yogic. Garbhadhan Sanskar is performed before conception it is the process of preparing the couple for Parenthood. Punsvan sanskar is recommended to get a competent Child in all the aspects. Seemantonnayan is performed for a neurologically and spiritually healthy child.
Garbhadhana Samskara: The Science of Vedic Family Planning by Bharat Chandra Dasa and Mahavirya Dasa
Gabhadhana-samskara, the first and most important of all the purificatory processes in the tradition of Sanatana dharma is yet either less prevalent today or almost extinct. Such a sacred practice remains obscure, less propagated and even less understood. The new publication titled, “Garbha̅dha̅na-samska̅ra, The Science of Vedic Family Planning” humbly attempts to fills this gap. The book discusses in detail the importance, goal, definitions, method for fixing a day and time, preparations, vows to be followed, and much more. The stories, appendices, and illustrations make the book holistic in its presentation.
One review says: Vedic ways are given in this book in simple plain English language. It's like novel. Date and time to be choosen is advised in this book. Please go for it if you would want to see peaceful life in your parenthood journey!
Beginning of Motherhood by Dr. Rohit Dhingra (Author), Fleme Varkey (Editor), Pankhuri Purwar (Illustrator)
This book helps couples right from planning to conceive to healthy pregnancy diet, lifestyle tips, Ayurvedic medicines, natural effective remedies, delicious healthy recipes, water birthing & home births, pregnancy myths, high-risk pregnancies, pregnancy medication, and resources as well as tips for a healthier mind. It also has a section on how the father-to-be has to get ready and contribute.
One review says: “...an exhaustive comprehension of pregnancy, covering different perspectives from origination to post-conveyance care. As a mother, I was intrigued with the writer's intensive investigation of every point, including the physical and mental preparation expected during each stage. The consideration of point by point recipes and cooking guidelines was a significant expansion.
The book goes past zeroing in exclusively on the mother and features the significant job of the dad all through the pregnancy venture. This comprehensive methodology makes it a significant asset for first-time guardians and committed fathers looking to partake in the process effectively.”
Talking to the baby in the womb (Garbha Vida) - Ancient wisdom for modern mothers by Andal Bhaskar
This book prepares mums-to-be to keep their confidence and self-esteem high so that the womb environment remains positive for baby’s growth. The book is narrated in the form of an expecting mother talking to her doctor about her pregnancy - this technique is quite relatable for many pregnant women. The author picks from many real-life stories of her patients that are relevant and draws from her vast knowledge of mythology and ancient scriptures.
One review says: I didn’t know such a thinking process existed in India. This book opened a new outlook towards pregnancy. The fact that it’s not just a physical process but an equally mental process of the mother is new to me and I am very excited in incorporating it. The book is written in simple plain language and is easy to understand.