You’ve likely heard someone exclaim, “That baby is so adorable, I could just eat them up!” or “What a scrumptious little one!” Such expressions reflect a common sentiment among parents about their squishy little bundles of joy. While no one would genuinely consider biting into a newborn, the impulse to somehow savor their cuteness is more widespread than you might think.
Newborns exude that irresistible scent, and those chubby little limbs? It’s enough to make anyone salivate! Some parents, surprisingly, give in to their instincts in a rather primal way—by licking their newborns. A recent viral photo captured this unusual behavior: a mother, moments after giving birth, appeared to instinctively lick her baby, a candid snapshot taken by photographer Mia Roberts and shared by childbirth educator Sarah Lee.
In her post, Lee explained that such instincts are not entirely uncommon. Many mammals engage in licking their young right after birth for various reasons—removing the scent to deter predators, consuming nutrients from the placenta, bonding, and transferring beneficial bacteria. While we humans may not live in the wild, those instinctual behaviors remain, leading some mothers to feel compelled to lick their babies, and some even acting on that impulse.
“Most mothers experience the desire to lick, but many hold back,” Lee notes. “Instead, we’ve adapted that urge into kissing, cuddling, and nuzzling our babies.” It’s a relatable phenomenon—who hasn’t pressed their face against their baby’s soft skin or inhaled that delightful baby smell?
Interestingly, this instinct isn’t just about affection. According to experts, licking a newborn can aid in breastfeeding. In The Art of Nurturing, a guide by the Parenting Collective, the authors mention that licking helps stimulate a baby’s natural reflexes, promoting latching during breastfeeding.
While some readers might recoil at the thought of licking a newborn due to the presence of vernix and other substances, many mothers resonate with the feeling. One commenter shared, “I’ve always had this strange yet strong urge to lick my baby clean right after she was born. I didn’t act on it, but knowing I’m not alone in this feeling makes me feel less weird!”
Another comment highlighted how mothers often shy away from expressing such instincts in front of healthcare professionals for fear of judgment. “It’s refreshing to see this image; it encourages women to trust their instincts during birth,” another mother noted.
Licking might not be for everyone, and many prefer traditional expressions of love like kisses and cuddles. Still, if you find yourself feeling that urge, there’s no harm in embracing it. After all, it’s a natural instinct.
In summary, the phenomenon of mothers licking their newborns, though unconventional, stems from deep-rooted mammalian instincts. While not every mom may choose to follow through with it, the desire reflects a profound bond and nurturing instinct that is integral to motherhood.
For more insights on the journey of motherhood and resources for home insemination, check out this excellent guide on pregnancy, and if you’re interested in understanding fertility in relation to conditions like PCOS, this authority on the topic can provide valuable information. Lastly, if you’re exploring home insemination options, take a look at our home insemination kit for assistance.