“Oh, that little one is so adorable, I could just devour her!” or “He’s such a scrumptious baby!” These are phrases many of us have uttered or heard when referring to an irresistibly cute newborn. While no one would actually consider taking a bite out of a baby, the instinct to connect with that pure cuteness in some way is quite real. Just think about that fresh baby scent and those chubby thighs!
Interestingly, some mothers do act on this impulse—at least in a symbolic way. A recent viral photo showcased a mother who, moments after giving birth, was seen licking her newborn. Captured by maternity photographer Sarah Johnson, the image quickly spread on social media after being shared by childbirth educator Rachel Lee. In this raw and emotional moment, the mother appears to instinctively lick her baby while still in the shower, suggesting that some of the newborn’s initial messiness may have been washed away.
Rachel explains that this behavior is more common than one might think. “Mammals have a natural instinct to lick their young right after birth,” she notes. This action serves various purposes—removing the scent of the newborn to deter predators, consuming nutrients from the afterbirth, bonding with their offspring, and transferring essential flora that helps build the baby’s immune system through breastmilk.
Although we, as humans, have evolved from our wild ancestors, many of our primal instincts remain intact. “Most parents feel an urge to lick but often suppress it,” Rachel comments. “Instead, we channel that instinct into kissing, snuggling, and holding our babies close.”
This perspective resonates with many. The desire to engage with a newborn often translates to affectionate gestures like kissing and nuzzling. When considering licking in this context, it doesn’t seem so unusual after all.
Moreover, Rachel notes that some mothers even have a desire to consume their placentas, a practice that raises eyebrows for some. While I can’t say I share that specific inclination, it’s fascinating how instincts manifest differently.
The idea of licking a newborn isn’t just a whimsical notion; it has roots in practicality. In The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, the authors discuss how licking can even help a reluctant baby latch onto the breast. “All mammals lick their babies after birth,” they explain, emphasizing that this behavior aids in stimulating various bodily functions.
While some comments on Rachel’s post express concern due to the typical newborn’s messy state, many mothers can relate to the urge. One commenter shared, “I felt the strong desire to lick my baby clean when she was born. I didn’t, but I’m glad to know I’m not alone!” Another remarked, “Seeing this photo gives women the freedom to trust their instincts, and that’s what childbirth is all about!”
Indeed, trusting our instincts and nurturing our babies is central to the experience of motherhood. Licking might not be for everyone, but if you feel drawn to it, there’s no harm in embracing that natural inclination. For those curious about pregnancy and home insemination, resources like ACOG’s guide on treating infertility provide valuable insights, while exploring options for home insemination can be found in our post about the Cryobaby home intracervical insemination syringe kit combo.
In conclusion, whether you choose to lick, kiss, or simply hold your newborn, what matters most is that you follow your instincts and create a loving connection.
Keyphrase: licking newborns after childbirth
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