The birth of a baby can be a highly emotional moment and every new mother experiences a different reaction. Some may laugh, some may cry, and some might even do both. However, there are some new mothers who have an instinct to lick their newborn right after birth, which may seem unusual to some, but it is actually an act of love.
A Brazilian photographer, Ludy Siqueira of Senhoritas Fotografia, captured a photograph of a new mother licking her newborn shortly after birth. The mother is seen showering while holding her newborn, who still has its umbilical cord attached, and licking its head. This behavior might seem strange if you haven’t encountered it before.
Not all new mothers immediately feel maternal instincts after giving birth, so there is no need to worry if that is not the case for you. However, for some, one ancestral mammalian instinct prevails over others: the urge to lick their newborn.
This behavior is not uncommon and a post on Facebook explains why some mothers have the urge to lick their newborns. It is attributed to the fact that humans are mammals and most, if not all, mammals lick their newborns after birth to clean them and stimulate breathing. This allows new mothers to check on the health of their infants and deter predators from detecting the scent of a newborn.
Beyond its practical purposes, licking a newborn is a bonding experience for both animals and humans. Oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone,” is released by the baby after maternal licking, which reduces stress and improves bonding. This is why skin-to-skin contact soon after birth is so important, as it helps the baby feel secure and safe.
Many mothers report enjoying the smell of their newborn and feeling a desire to smother them with kisses. This feeling is a remnant of the maternal licking instinct that helped maternal mammals bond with their offspring and protect them from predators, among other things.
If you are pregnant and anticipate experiencing this instinct, it may be a good idea to talk to your doctor beforehand to avoid the transfer of bacteria due to all the bodily fluids involved. However, if you do feel the urge, it is important to know that you are not alone as it is a common instinct among mammals.
Overall, the instinct to lick a newborn is fascinating and sheds light on the bonding experience between mothers and their newborns. Whether you experience this instinct or not, the love and bond between a mother and her baby is undeniable.