Did you know that newborns hate to be naked? I had no idea. The first time we took off Violet’s clothes to change her diaper, she screamed the high-pitched cry that pierces the panic center of a new parent’s brain, and her arms and legs flailed as though she was in free fall. Several nurses and our doctor confirmed our observation that newborns are a modest bunch. We mentioned it to Linda’s lactation consultant - Violet’s aversion to being nude - and without missing a beat, the woman said, “Just hope she’s still that way when she’s 15.”
8 days old.
What a cutie!! Can't wait to meet her in the flesh!!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's obviously got nothing to do with modesty but more with feeling cool air on the skin. She's just spent 6 months at a steady temp of 98 degrees and wrapped in fluid. Their nervous systems are still developing and so are very sensitive to even seemingly benign stimulation. As for modesty, wait until she's about 1 or 2. Many suddenly decide that going natural is, well, natural!!
ReplyDeleteA tip that worked for me: if you cross her arms over her chest, it usually will calm her down.
ReplyDeleteMacie screamed so loudly the first few times I gave her a sponge bath that I had to close all the windows so the neighbors wouldn't hear her and call the police on me. That was in July. I'm assuming your windows aren't open now.
That said, she sort of liked nursing while minimally dressed.
No, I didn't know that, I also didn't know how comfortable the two of you would be with that little person in your house! I am totally impressed. Meeting Violet on Sunday was a very emotional time for me, holding her,as awkward as I was, brought back fond memories. Thank you for that experience.
ReplyDeleteViolet's screaming and clutching when in an exposed position on her back sounds like a newborn "startle reflex." Crossing Violet's arms over her chest is an excellent suggestion to give her security.
ReplyDeleteBill- You know Madelyn...well to this day she'd rather be naked. Whenever she would cry as a baby, we'd undress her and she'd be instantly as happy as a clam. Her nickname is "Nature Girl" and not only because she likes nature...Sounds like you guys are having fun. Enjoy every moment! Violet is truly a beautiful baby.
ReplyDeleteHi all - thank you for all the thoughtful comments and stories.
ReplyDeleteDenise - Just give us a call - we're more or less an open house for visitors!
MJ - I didn't mean to imply that I really thought newborns were modest - just trying to be ironical, but we've been reading a great book called "The Happies Baby on the Block". It puts forth the idea that for the first three months, babies are still a fetus and need to be treated accordingly, with plenty of swaddling, white noise, and rocking - mimicking conditions in the womb.
Amy and Anne - Wow, the arms across the chest pointer works well! Thanks!
Tony - We loved having you over - come by anytime for a baby fix.
Amy P - Thank you - I'm hoping Violet will be a nature girl, too!