You may be surprised to learn that you can even communicate with your baby in your womb by talking or playing music.
Though your baby can't talk, she will communicate with you from the moment she's born. Her first attempts at communication are in the form of eye contact - gazing at your face - soon to be followed by cooing and smiling.
Look into your baby's eyes from about 20cm to 25cm (8in to 10in) away - the best distance for babies to focus. Touch your baby gently - stroke her, smile at her, chat or sing to her - these are all great ways to communicate.
Talk to your baby - watch her reaction and wait for her response. This helps set the pattern for later conversation. Watch her 'body language' closely - every movement of arms or legs waving is part of your baby's response to you.
Look at your baby's movements - listen to every tiny sound and give her your full attention - you should see the subtle ways in which she answers you. You teach your baby to make sense of the world by these early communications. Often the best time to actively communicate is after a feed when your baby is feeling relaxed and content. But don't worry - most new parents find themselves doing all of this instinctively!
Remember, crying is also a very important part of your baby's language and the main way of communicating her needs before talking begins. Answering your baby's cries as soon as possible helps her to feel secure. See our feature on Crying and comforting for more information.
Years ago it was thought newborn babies couldn't see or hear properly, but we now know that it's important to start listening and talking early on as this helps to develop loving bonds between you and your baby.
Good listening is one of the most vital skills in your growing relationship with your baby. In the early days, it's about listening to her cries and gradually working out which one means "I'm hungry", and which means "I'm lonely and want a cuddle". Later on, it'll become the basis of a good relationship and a key part of meeting your baby's needs.