When we see a newborn, it’s common to hear phrases like, “That baby is so adorable, I could just devour him!” or “She’s such a scrumptious little one.” Although no one would seriously consider taking a bite out of a baby, there’s an undeniable impulse to savor the sweetness of a newborn in some manner. Just think about that fresh baby scent and those chubby little thighs—it’s hard not to feel an overwhelming affection.
Interestingly, some parents do act on this instinct, and licking their newborns is one example. Recently, a photograph of a mother licking her baby shortly after birth went viral on social media. Captured by maternity photographer Mia Johnson, the image was shared by childbirth educator Sarah Lee, quickly garnering attention. In the photo, the new mom appears to be giving her baby an affectionate lick, a gesture that is instinctive and joyful. Notably, the mother seems to be in a shower, suggesting that at least some of the newborn’s initial mess had been washed away.
In her post, Lee explains that this behavior is not as unusual as one might think. She notes that “mammals typically lick and groom their young right after birth.” This instinct serves several purposes: it helps to remove the newborn’s scent, which can deter predators; it allows mothers to consume nutrients from the afterbirth; it fosters bonding; and it transfers beneficial bacteria to the baby, enhancing immunity through breastmilk.
While Lee acknowledges that humans are civilized beings who don’t live in the wild, she asserts that our mammalian instincts remain intact, leading some mothers to feel the urge to lick their babies—and even act on it. “Most of us have the instinct to lick but channel it into smelling, kissing, and holding our babies tight,” Lee explains.
This perspective resonates with many mothers, as it’s not uncommon to kiss, hug, and nuzzle our infants. If you think about it, licking might not seem so strange after all. Lee also mentions that the desire some mothers have to consume their placentas ties back to these instincts. While opinions on that vary widely, the idea of licking a newborn seems less controversial.
The concept of licking a newborn isn’t just limited to social media discussions. I discovered insights in The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by the La Leche League, which discusses licking as a technique to encourage a reluctant baby to latch. The authors point out that all mammals lick their young to clean them and stimulate essential functions like breathing and digestion, and many mothers find success in using this method during breastfeeding struggles.
Although it’s not something I personally considered, I can understand the instinct behind licking a newborn. After all, when my babies were trying to latch, it felt like a natural response to reciprocate with a little lick, as a playful acknowledgment of their efforts.
Some commenters on Lee’s post expressed concern about licking newborns due to their initial coverings of vernix and other substances. However, numerous mothers who read the thread shared their own similar urges, with one stating, “I felt that need to lick my baby clean after birth too! I didn’t do it, but it was there!” Another mentioned how mothers often shy away from expressing these instincts around healthcare professionals for fear of looking silly.
Ultimately, this discussion highlights the importance of following our maternal instincts and embracing our natural behaviors during the birthing process. While licking may not be for everyone, it’s a reminder that instincts are powerful, and there’s no harm in exploring them.
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In conclusion, whether you choose to lick, kiss, or simply love your baby, the connection between a mother and her child is a beautiful and instinctive bond.
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