Monday, May 11, 2009

Newborn "Breast Crawl"

This is one of the most amazing videos I have ever seen. Did you know that a newborn baby that has been born without the use of drugs (i.e. epidural, in particular) possesses the awareness and physical strength to nurse on its own? This is an amazing case for immediate breast feeding and mama-baby skin-to-skin-contact.

I actually had an argument last night with my own mother about the justification behind bathing babies right away, as opposed to drying them off with warm cloths. It turns out that waiting to bathe babies until later (after they have gone home, assuming you had a hospital or birth center delivery.) allows babies to receive healthy bacteria from skin-to-skin contact with their mothers, building up a natural immunity. 

Anyways, check this out

3 comments:

Jenny said...

Another reason not to bathe your baby right away is that it gives them an excuse to keep her in the nursery during what should be bonding time. Suzi had really thick hair, and after her bath they didn't bring her back right away. When I asked where she was and if they'd please go get her, they said her "hair had to dry." I'd have rather had a baby in my arms with nasty hair than a baby with clean hair lying alone and confused in the nursery for two hours.

Love that video, too. That baby knew exactly what she was doing :-)

Unknown said...

Haha...I was trying to explain this to Ed last night. I had read about the phenomenon too. It's so amazing the capabalities that babies are born with. :)

Denise said...

Don't let anyone sway you from what you want to do. We didn't bathe her until she was home, and about 4-5 days old. Babies aren't born dirty!!! Stick to your convictions.
I loved the video. It made me all happy remembering my own sweet experience.