As an expectant parent working full-time, it's natural to worry that you won't have enough time for your new baby. Assuming you don't have the option of stopping work, it's essential that you learn how to spend quality time with your baby - both before and after she is born.

Essentially, education begins from the moment a baby becomes aware of his surroundings. A baby's sense of hearing becomes fully developed in the fifth month of pregnancy. As busy parents, you only need to invest a little time every day in talking, reading and singing to your baby. Not only will such activities stimulate your baby's brain, but studies have shown that babies are soothed by the sounds of familiar stories and songs. They will even respond positively after birth to stories and songs heard regularly in the womb.

The first few years of life are a critical time in terms of brain development. As synapses (connections) between neurons (brain cells) are created and eliminated at a rate never to be seen again, it is well within the grasp even of busy parents to provide high-quality, high-frequency stimulation. Very young children have an unrivalled ability to learn, and no matter how busy parents are, it is their duty not to let this opportunity slip away.

During pregnancy, there are several simple ways to stimulate your baby's brain that require minimal effort on the part of busy parents. For example, expectant mothers can play relaxing music while they are working. From the fifth month onwards, the baby will be able to hear the music you play, and you will both benefit from the reduction in stress such soothing sounds bring.

The benefits are there even when the music is too quiet for your baby to hear. When an expectant mother is stressed, the hormone cortisol is released into her blood, and in turn, her baby's blood. Too much cortisol - which activates the body's fight or flight response - is bad for the baby's nervous system. And it can be bad for parents too: studies have shown that babies whose mothers were stressed during pregnancy tend to be more irritable after they are born. When choosing music, it doesn't need to be classical, but do pick something melodic and soothing, rather than frenetic or dissonant.

Aside from auditory stimulation, tactile stimulation is also valuable. Again, only a small amount of time is needed each day - and the mother can do a great deal herself, even from her desk in the office. Many mothers naturally respond to the kicks of their baby by gently pressing back. This is a subtle yet powerful first form of communication between mother and child. Busy parents, once they are home, can also enjoy massaging their baby once the child is large enough to be felt through the mother's belly - sometime around the seventh month of pregnancy.

Of course, it's just as important for everyone, including busy parents, to provide a healthy prenatal environment for their child. The mother should eat a balanced diet, and should avoid smoking, drinking or taking recreational drugs. She should also check with her doctor before taking any prescription medications.

After the birth, busy parents should find a little time each day to read and sing to their baby. If and when they have time, busy parents can use massage to encourage their little one to sleep better and for longer. If at all possible, the baby should also be breastfed. The longer, the better (the World Health Organization recommends up to two years of age), but even a few weeks of breastfeeding is far better than none.

As busy parents, remember to foster the development of your baby's motor skills as well. Give your baby regular tummy time to facilitate her crawling skills. Get down on the floor with your baby and give her plenty of encouragement. Remember, no matter how busy you are, to leave your worries at the door and above all, enjoy your baby. Career is important, but focusing too much on your career could cause you to miss an amazing opportunity to maximize your child's development - and smell the roses.