The Authors & The Inspiration
Hello, from Cath & Mat, the creators of Our Dragon Story, and the founders of the Pregnancy Bonding Programme.
For more than 15 years we’ve worked with expectant parents, babies, families and early-years professionals across the UK, supporting the crucial first 1001 days of life, from conception to 2 years. Through our work with NHS maternity and health visiting services, perinatal mental health teams and community programmes, we’ve seen first-hand how powerful early bonding can be — not only for babies, but for parents’ confidence, wellbeing and emotional security too.
The Pregnancy Bonding Programme was developed to answer a need that so many parents expressed:“I want to feel close to my baby, but I don’t know where to start.”
It brings together neuroscience, touch, mindfulness and gentle relational practice to help families connect in simple, meaningful ways during pregnancy — through voice, rhythm, imagination and presence. This approach now supports professionals and families nationwide and is recognised for its impact on early brain development, emotional wellbeing and parent-infant attachment.
Our Dragon Story was born from this work — a way to bring the science of bonding and attachment during pregnancy to life through story, creativity and magical moments of connection. Our Dragon Story will be remembered for a lifetime and helps you tell your baby: “I loved your before I ever met you.”
With Love & Dragons,
Cath & Mat
Creators of Our Dragon Story and The Pregnancy Bonding Programme
What Makes This Work Different
The Science Behind the Story
Our Dragon Story is more than a beautifully illustrated set of books — it is built on real science about how babies learn, connect and develop in the womb.
Research shows that bonding begins before birth. From around 16 weeks, babies begin to hear sounds from the outside world, and by 26 weeks they can recognise familiar voices, rhythms and patterns. The sound of a parent’s voice becomes their favourite sound, and the warmth of gentle touch on the bump releases oxytocin — the “love hormone” that helps strengthen attachment and reduce stress for both parent and baby.
When families read aloud, speak gently, place their hands on the bump, pause, wait and feel baby respond — they are already building a relationship.
That’s why Our Dragon Story isn’t just a story to read — it’s a story to feel.
The book is intentionally structured around:
Rhythm & Repetition
which supports early brain organisation and voice recognition
Touch, Tap & Talk Prompts
encouraging reciprocal interaction, where babies respond and parents respond back
Calm Breathing & Pacing
helping parents slow down, reduce anxiety and enjoy moments of connection
Dora Mouse’s Gentle Coaching
offering support and confidence for parents who don’t know how to begin bonding
Together, these elements create powerful bonding rituals that help parents feel connected and babies feel safe, loved and remembered — shaping brain pathways that support emotional security for life.
Because connection today builds confidence tomorrow —
and every heartbeat, every story and every touch matters.
Behind the Scenes
Behind every page of Our Dragon Story is a real journey — shaped by families, tiny moments, quiet reflection and lots of cups of tea!
Creating Our Dragon Story has been a labour of love. From sketching early character ideas at the kitchen table, to testing story rhythms with parents in antenatal sessions, to watching babies kick in response to the first read-through — this project grew from real experiences with real families. Some of my favourite moments have been:
- Seeing a parent’s face light up when their baby responds to the rhythm of the story
- Watching siblings proudly read aloud to the bump and wait for a kick
- Hearing grandparents describe feeling part of the journey from the very beginning
- The very first time a mum whispered “I feel like I know my baby now”
Outside of creating Dragons, you’ll most likely find me:
- With my family — 2 little dragons who grew up great!
- Teaching Midwives & Family Support Workers to be Baby Massage & Baby Yoga Instructors
- Talking far too enthusiastically about the science of bonding
- Filling notebooks with ideas for future Dragon adventures
This story began in small moments, and it continues to grow through the incredible families, practitioners and communities who share their Dragon moments with us.
Thank you for being part of Our Dragon Story — we’re so glad you’re here.
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