When Women Give Birth: Why Don't They Have a Natural Instinct to Clean Their Babies with Their Mouths?

It is a common misconception that women should have a natural instinct to clean their babies with their mouths, similar to other animals. However, this belief is rooted more in anthropomorphism and cultural norms than in biological necessity. Let's delve into why humans don't follow the same grooming practices as many other species.

Biological Differences and Cultural Norms

Humans are distinct from other animals due to numerous biological differences. One significant distinction is the presence of two specific DNA differences that set us apart. Rather than relying on instinct alone, humans have developed a complex set of cognitive and social behaviors. Cleaning a newborn using their mouth is not a social custom or situational necessity, but rather an option that humans have chosen not to follow.

Many animals, such as cats, dogs, and even some primates, use their mouths to groom themselves and their offspring. For these animals, this behavior is not just instinctual but a necessary part of maintaining hygiene and health. However, for humans, the situation offers other options. Hands, with their opposable thumbs, enable us to clean our babies without resorting to using our mouths. Our hands allow us to perform tasks that would be incredibly difficult or even impossible without this unique anatomical feature.

Evolutionary and Social Factors

Evolution has shaped the behaviors and instincts of various species, including humans. However, humans have also developed a sophisticated system of social norms and traditions. Traditional practices such as immediate umbilical cord clamping are often challenged due to modern medical understanding. Current research suggests that leaving the umbilical cord in place can provide newborns with necessary nutrients and antibodies until it stops pulsing. This practice aligns with the expressed need for hygiene but has traditionally been questioned or ignored due to cultural and societal norms.

Hygiene Practices and Vernix

The vernix caseosa, a waxy white substance that covers the skin of newborns, has been a subject of great interest in recent years. Traditionally, medical personnel would rush to wash it off immediately after birth. However, scientific understanding has evolved, and it is now recognized that vernix serves vital functions. This coating acts as a protective barrier against bacteria and promotes wound healing. By allowing the vernix to absorb into the baby's skin, you provide a natural layer of defense. Simply washing it off can be counterproductive and potentially harmful.

Global Perspectives on Newborn Care

In some cultures, such as Nigeria, there is a belief that not bathing a new-born baby can lead to body odor. This notion reflects a different set of cultural and societal expectations. However, it is important to understand the underlying reasons behind such beliefs. The primary concern is often the protection of the baby from disease, which aligns with a more universal goal of promoting infant health and well-being.

It is worth noting that while the vernix is essential, proper hygiene practices are still crucial. Using hands instead of the mouth for cleaning the baby prevents the transmission of harmful bacteria and ensures that both the mother and the baby remain healthy. Cleaning the baby's bottom with one's mouth is not only unhygienic but also goes against the evolved human behaviors that prioritize health and cleanliness.

Conclusion

While it is fascinating to explore the biological and cultural aspects of human behavior, it is crucial to approach such questions with a mix of scientific insight and cultural awareness. Humans do clean their babies, but they do so using hands rather than their mouths due to a combination of evolutionary, social, and practical reasons. Proper hygiene practices are critical for the health and well-being of newborns, and using hands is a safer and more effective method than resorting to mouth grooming.