Newborn instantly calms after recognizing dad's voice — thanks to months of talking to baby in the womb

We often hear about the importance of a mother’s bond with her baby, but the connection between father and child can begin just as early. From soft belly talks to bedtime stories, babies recognize love long before they’re born, and they show it in unforgettable ways. For one Pennsylvania mom, the proof came moments after birth. 28-year-old Ruth Swingler, who goes by @ruth_fit316 on Instagram, captured the emotional moment her newborn daughter, Parker, stopped crying the instant her dad spoke to her. The caption read, "Watching him hold her the first time is something I would never forget. So thankful I was able to capture this moment for both of them to look back at for years to come."

She wrote in the text overlay, "My husband always talked to my belly while I was pregnant." Throughout the pregnancy, Ruth had read that babies can recognize familiar voices before birth, especially in the third trimester. So, she asked her husband to try talking to Parker regularly, per Newsweek. "He took the initiative to talk to her every night before bed. We read stories to her and prayed together with her. My husband could not wait to be a dad." That commitment paid off the moment Parker was placed in his arms.

Parker, who had been crying after being taken off her mother’s chest, stopped instantly the second she heard his voice. "The nurse was asking me questions and I couldn't really listen to her. I knew what that moment meant to him, and I didn't want to miss it." She added that the bond between Christopher Swingler (@cas5404) and Parker had been growing long before that day. She said, "He bonded with her so much in my belly, it was second nature to him when he met her." Soon after that moment, Ruth experienced a major postpartum hemorrhage. As doctors worked to stabilize her, Christopher stayed calm and cared for Parker on his own.

"He was an absolute rockstar," she said. She concluded her video with a message, "Dads, this is your reminder…talk to your baby before they’re here." The video has gone viral with over 63 million views, with thousands of viewers celebrating the emotional connection between father and daughter and praising Christopher. @alywei.x wrote, "Wow! Like magic. Also, they seem like amazing nurses. Look how clean (I think a nurse) puts down a pillow for daddy." @jxnandco shared, "I’m so happy for strangers. I never got to experience this. I love to know it exists, though." @the.peaceful.mother added, "Loving fathers are the most attractive thing on the planet. He’s a natural, and she’s a blessed little girl to have him."

@la_enana.0 added, "These are the men who deserve to be fathers, so many like this, but never given the chance. Good job, dad." @theabdulqawiyy wrote, "Oh to love someone so much before you meet them and to experience this magic. Ya Allah." @cotsandcuddles said, "That’s nine months of deep friendship right there." @_dan_da_great added, "Imagine being brand new to the world, and the first voice you hear is the one that’s been speaking to you for months. That’s love." @camkrumbhaar chimed in, "Working in the delivery room, I’ve seen babies’ heart and respiratory rates literally level out when they hear dad’s voice after hearing it throughout the pregnancy." 

You can follow Ruth Swingler (@ruth_fit316) on Instagram for more motherhood and health-related content.