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Find out whether cuddling or allowing self-soothing is best for your baby's well-being. Explore expert advice and guidance from Meri Sehat on nurturing your baby's comfort and emotional development.

Should I Cuddle My Baby Or Allow Self Soothing?

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Madeeha Syed

This article or video has been vetted and verified by Meri Sehat’s specialists. It contains citations and research from validated sources.

Getting Back To Working Out After Giving Birth

Overview

The weeks after one&rsquo;s delivery can be as stressful as they are joyous. Newborn babies need constant attention and it&rsquo;s difficult to take out time to care for oneself. When the baby is down for a nap, it&rsquo;s our chance to get some sleep too or catch up on chores. Naturally, there&rsquo;s very little time or mental space for fitness and physical activity. Plus, there&rsquo;s the physical exhaustion that comes with long nights and breastfeeding. 
However, taking care of our bodies is essential to recovering quickly from pregnancy and childbirth. Taking time out for fitness enables us to better manage the stressors that come with a newborn baby, both physically and emotionally. This, in turn, ensures that we are able to enjoy the joys of new motherhood as well.

<div>&nbsp;</div>

time to recover body

As a new mother, it&rsquo;s important to ensure that you are consuming all of the nutrients that are essential to your health and recovery. If you are breastfeeding, it is even more important that you consume a nutritious diet.&nbsp;

Try to include a good amount of protein in your diet, as well as good fats and essential fatty acids. Eating a sufficient amount of carbs will give you the energy you need to keep up with your baby. Make sure to include fruits and nutrients in your diet as they are an important source of <a href="https://merisehat.pk/article/a-guide-to-essential-vitamins-and-micronutrients-and-should-you-be-taking-them">micronutrients and fibre</a>.&nbsp;

If you have a straightforward vaginal delivery, you can start with gentle movement in the form of short walks as soon as the day you deliver; however, you will have to wait till your epidural has been taken out. If you delivered via a caesarean or faced postpartum complications, you may have to wait a few extra days to give your body time to recover.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<h5>Moderate Walking</h5>

Easy to moderate walking is the best way to start moving after childbirth. You can start with just 20 minutes a day and gently build up to half an hour over the course of four to six weeks. Consider breaking up your walks into several walks a day to avoid tiring yourself out and being able to fit them in more easily into your newborn&rsquo;s routine. You could start with two 10-minute walks a day, build that up to two 12-minute walks after a few days and so on. Walking burns calories, while also strengthening muscles and joints, and improving blood circulation. 
&nbsp;

<h5>Postpartum Exercises</h5>

Incorporate gentle postpartum exercises and stretches into your routine in the first few weeks after a delivery. There is a lot of information online about safe postpartum exercises. You can look some up and aim to do them for five minutes a day. YouTube videos focused on postpartum exercises can also be easy to follow along, and if you&rsquo;d like the opportunity to get out of the house, a postpartum exercise or yoga class might just be the thing for you. As with walking, start with just a few minutes a day and slowly build up as your body adjusts.

Your pelvic floor and core tend to be particularly weak after childbirth. Before you move onto high-impact exercises, it is important to build some strength in these parts of the body. You can start doing gentle pelvic exercises, like kegels and pelvic tilts in the first week after your delivery. Aim to do them for about five minutes at a time, up to three times a day. Again, there&rsquo;s no need to do long sessions and tire yourself out. Fitting in smaller movement sessions throughout the day will ensure that you are able to be consistent and don&rsquo;t end up pushing yourself too much.

About a month after childbirth, you can start exercising core exercises into your routine. Again, this also depends on what kind of delivery you&rsquo;ve had and whether you faced any complications during or after. Once again, incorporate a few minutes of core work into your daily movement sessions and break it up into two to three sessions a day.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<h5>As A Rule Of Thumb</h5>

You should wait at least six weeks after childbirth to get into high-impact exercises. It&rsquo;s important to prepare your body in the preceding weeks and to also take it slow when you do start with higher impact movement. Make sure to consult your doctor and get their okay beforehand. Even at this stage, start slowly and listen to your body. There&rsquo;s no need to push forward from the get go. What&rsquo;s important is that you maintain consistency and build up in a manner that is doable for you. 
&nbsp;

Bottom Line

It&rsquo;s easy to forget to take care of ourselves in the first few months after childbirth. But we need to remember that we need as much love and care as our newborn babies do. Being kind to yourself and patient with your body is especially important after a delivery. Remember, the healthier you feel, the better you&rsquo;ll be able to enjoy the time you get with your newborn!

Ayesha Binte Rashid

What To Do After Getting A Caesarean?

You&rsquo;ve had your baby, and you&rsquo;re ready to go home. But before you can leave the hospital, there&rsquo;s some post-delivery care that you should take care of. In this article, we&rsquo;ll cover caesarean section (C-section) aftercare, including when it&rsquo;s time to take your catheter out and when you&#39;re ready for discharge from the hospital.

&nbsp;

recovery after  a c-section

After you have a C-section, this is the most critical period. You might feel tired, emotional, or anxious about your baby or yourself. Be sure to:&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Make Time For Yourself And Rest

<ul>
	<li>Drink water</li>
	<li>Eat healthy</li>
	<li>Do light exercises only (such <a href="https://merisehat.pk/article/how-walking-helps-you-think-bette">as walking</a>) 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Take Care Of Your Wound And Stitches (If Applicable). You Need To

<ul>
	<li>Keep your wound clean and dry</li>
	<li>Wear comfortable maternity clothes that make it easy to get in and out of bed easily. Think loose fitting tops with leggings</li>
	<li>Avoid tight clothing, such as jeans or elastic waistbands, etc.</li>
	<li>Avoid heavy lifting or carrying heavy objects, etc.</li>
	<li>Speak to your doctor if you feel there is an infection developing in your wound area (this can happen on rare occasions) 
	 
	Ask for help from friends and family members when needed 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

You might feel weak and sore for a while after your surgery. Don&#39;t worry, it is normal! Moving around would help you feel better and get the blood flowing through your body again. You might want to ask someone to help with the lifting and carrying of heavy objects until you&#39;ve fully recovered from your surgery. 
&nbsp;

Here are some useful tips for moving around:

<ul>
	<li>Care For Your Incision: You&rsquo;ll likely be in the hospital for 2-3 days. During that time, your healthcare team would ask you to do a few things to help ensure you&rsquo;re on the right track.</li>
	<li>Keep Your Incision Clean And Dry. If needed, use pads or bandages.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Avoid Placing Hot Water Bottles or heating pads over your incision area because they could increase swelling and cause pain.</li>
	<li>Do Not Lift Anything That&rsquo;s Heavy during the first six weeks following your surgery. And even after that, if there&rsquo;s something you need to move, keep it light or, better yet, ask for help!</li>
	<li>Avoid Sexual Intercourse for six weeks after having a c-section (or until advised otherwise). This is to allow your uterus and vagina to heal well before you have another child vaginally.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>After The Period Of Six Months, you might resume intercourse as normal, but again, keep it light.&nbsp; 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Stretching. It&rsquo;s a good idea to stretch your abdominal muscles and any other muscles that have been affected by the surgery.</li>
	<li>Breathing exercises. Use diaphragmatic breathing (also called belly breathing) to help relax your body and calm down after surgery.</li>
	<li>Pelvic floor exercises. They help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and support the uterus, bladder, and bowel function after pregnancy. They also improve sexuality for both men and women, increase energy levels (and thus productivity) and reduce lower back pain or sciatica symptoms by improving posture or alignment through strengthening these core muscles</li>
	<li>Walking is a great form of exercise during recovery time because it helps strengthen leg muscles while also building endurance, which is helpful if you have had stitches put in place during surgery! 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>If you notice any unusual bleeding, such as a sudden gush of blood, or if the flow of your postpartum discharge changes in colour or consistency</li>
	<li>If you experience pain or discomfort</li>
	<li>If you have a fever (above 100&deg;F) 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Note: If you have questions about your recovery that aren&rsquo;t covered here, please ask your obstetrician or midwife.&nbsp;

If you&rsquo;re concerned about anything at all whether it&rsquo;s the way your belly feels after surgery (which, by the way, should feel like it has been run over by a truck!), whether there&rsquo;s an abnormal amount of blood coming out of your vagina, whether there are signs of infection (fever, chills), etc., go see someone right away.

It&rsquo;s better to err on the side of caution than risk an infection setting in that could lead to more problems later on down the road. And even though C-sections carry risks themselves (mainly related with anaesthesia), they&rsquo;re still safer than vaginal births when it comes down to actually giving birth itself. 
&nbsp;

Just sitting back and waiting for your body to heal would get you there. But you could be up and running and taking care of your baby with the right care in no time.&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Take It Easy. It might be tempting to jump right back into your normal routine, but try to cut yourself some slack. Your body needs time to heal after having been through an invasive procedure like surgery.</li>
	<li>Don&rsquo;t Be Afraid of taking pain medication, if necessary. If soreness is keeping you from getting quality rest at night, talk with your caregiver about options for relieving this discomfort. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

C-section recovery is a process. You might not feel like doing much, but it&rsquo;s important that you get up and move around as soon as possible. The more your body moves around, the sooner it will heal!

Umna Salah

Introduction

The feeling of cuddling a newborn is different from all other feelings. Cuddling is a normal reaction to a small baby&#39;s cries. New research shows that it is not just spontaneous but also beneficial. A child&#39;s brain grows nearly 90% of adult size by the time they turn three<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>. Therefore, cuddling between the ages of 0 and 3 years is critical for proper brain development. 
&nbsp;

Cuddling your baby releases oxytocin in both of you which is beneficial for both you and your tiny one.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Oxytocin is a hormone synthesized in the hypothalamus and secreted by the pituitary gland in reaction to several stimuli, one of which is cuddling. It is important in birth, breastfeeding, and bonding with your child<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Understanding Importance of Cuddling and Self Soothing

<h5>1.&nbsp;Build Independence And Resilience</h5>

Being attentive to your youngster has a long-term impact. Babies are reassured that their needs are being satisfied and that they can fearlessly explore the world. They know they can return to their haven if the need arises. Growing up, it helps them to be trusting and resilient. Children with secure bonds are more positive about life despite misfortune.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

<h5>2. Contributes To The Development Of A Happy Brain</h5>

Cuddling enables your baby to form a strong relationship with you. This has long-term consequences for your child&#39;s self-esteem, healthy individuation and exploration, expression of empathy, social relationships, and ability to cope with life&#39;s stresses. On the other hand, babies who are touch starved, have significantly lower amounts of oxytocin and vasopressin. Both of these hormones are known to play important roles in anxiety and social behavior. Lower levels may explain why these youngsters struggle to build bonds as adults. 
&nbsp;

<h5>3. Helps With Breastfeeding</h5>

Mums who hold their kids can breastfeed their newborns for a longer time and also with ease, making the experience more relaxing. Additionally, cuddling releases prolactin and oxytocin, chemicals that support breastfeeding and nurturing. Moreover, your kid will begin to feed themself and their digestive tract will be stimulated. This may not appear to be an advantage at first look, but when you consider the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child, it all makes sense. 
&nbsp;

<h5>4. Strengthens Bonding</h5>

Bonding is described as the process of developing a close emotional relationship. Some parents feel they have a strong connection with their baby during pregnancy, while others bond more after birth especially during the first few months. This is the point where cuddling comes in. It releases oxytocin, which increases attachment and bonding besides reducing anxiety.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Although the reasons for the early onset are unknown, interaction with infants is said to alleviate postpartum anxiety. Cuddling your kid feels great and has a long-term effect on the kind of bond you develop with them, and vice versa. 
&nbsp;

<h5>5. Relieves Pain</h5>

When a kid is harmed or wounded in any way, they quickly raise their arms in the hopes of being cuddled. When younger babies cry, they, too, want to be lifted up and comforted. We&#39;ve known for years that cuddling makes them feel better, and now new research has proven it. Soft touch not only makes infants feel better, it also relieves their discomfort. 
&nbsp;

<h5>6. Enables Eye Contact</h5>

Eyesight or vision is the final sense to develop fully. At birth, a baby can only focus on items that are approximately 25 cm away from them, which happens to be the ideal distance between your face and their eyes when holding them. Eye contact is crucial for babies; studies show it&rsquo;s essential in brain development and bonding. So, simply cuddling them and staring into their faces can help with this. 
&nbsp;

<h5>7. Promotes Speech Development</h5>

The only way a newborn can see your mouth moving is if you hold them near. Your baby will start to use their mouth, moving their lips and tongue, as you hold them close and start talking to them. When they do this, they&rsquo;re basically making their initial speech efforts. Studies have found that as your child gets older, you&#39;re far more likely to talk to them and encourage them to speak when you&#39;re holding them. 
&nbsp;

Skin-to-skin contact between mothers and newborns was used for the first time in the 1970s in neonatal wards in Bogota, Colombia, when there were not enough incubators to treat infants with life-threatening hospital infections.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Kangaroos, which cradle their young as soon as they are born, were the inspiration for neonatologists Edgar Rey and Hector Martinez. Mothers were instructed to feed their newborns exclusively breast milk while holding them upright, diapered, but bare-chested, between their breasts as frequently as possible. 
&nbsp;

Kangaroo mother care is not only safe but also preferable to technology, like incubators, as demonstrated by a collection of physiological and scientific evidence. Lack of skin-to-skin contact causes the brain to develop alternate stress pathways, which among other things, can cause ADD, colic, and sleep difficulties in babies<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<h5>1. Improves Adaptability Outside the Womb</h5>

Thermoregulation is a typical issue among neonates, particularly premature babies. After all, your kid didn&#39;t need to maintain her own temperature while in the womb. With Kangaroo care, your baby would adjust to their post-birth environment quickly because their skin is the same temperature as the womb. 
&nbsp;

<h5>2. Improves Mental Development</h5>

At 15 years old, premature babies who received kangaroo care showed higher brain functioning &ndash; comparable to adolescents born at term &ndash; than those premature babies who were placed in incubators. According to one study, normalizing heart rate, oxygenation, and sleep helps the brain to develop better<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>. 
&nbsp;

<h5>3. Promotes Healthy Weight</h5>

According to one Cochrane Library research, skin-to-skin contact significantly promotes neonatal weight gain<a href="#accordion">[4]</a>. When your baby is warm, they wouldn&rsquo;t need to utilize their energy to control their body temperature. 
&nbsp;

<h5>4. Improves Heart Rate And Respiration</h5>

Babies with respiratory distress who remained in kangaroo care positions have been shown to recover within 48 hours without respirators. One study found that newborns who received kangaroo care had more regular heart rhythms than those who did not. 
&nbsp;

<h5>5. Boosts Immunity</h5>

Premature babies have weakened immune systems. It makes them susceptible to allergies, infections, and feeding issues. However, early skin-to-skin contact significantly diminishes these issues. 
&nbsp;

<h5>6. Increases Milk Supply</h5>

When you and your baby are together, the hormones that regulate lactation level out, allowing you to produce more milk. 
&nbsp;

<h5>7. Reduces Fetal Stress and Pain</h5>

Just 10 minutes of skin-to-skin contact lowers stress hormone (cortisol) levels in babies while increasing cuddle hormone (oxytocin) levels, stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system and making babies feel calm and safe. 
&nbsp;

Self-soothing means learning to control your emotions. This is a person&#39;s ability to recognize and manage emotional reactions. Babies begin to understand this concept at the age of 6 months. However, they might still be distressed if they are left to cry after this age. And they would seek others who care for them to assuage or pacify them. Even adults need that from time to time.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Older babies gradually learn to settle independently as caregivers gradually reduce the amount of assistance provided. 
&nbsp;

To encourage self-soothing in children:

<ul>
	<li>Practice Mindfulness: This can help youngsters think before responding and be more in touch with how they feel.</li>
	<li>Participate In Enjoyable Activities: Burn some energy and keep your child active to aid emotional management.</li>
	<li>Indulge In Independent Play: Not only does play keep children active and interested, but it can also teach them how to solve problems on their own, which is an important self-soothing skill.</li>
	<li>Demonstrate Positive Behaviors: Children learn through observation. It is sometimes preferable to show toddlers how to self-soothe by remaining calm and collected. For example, if your child is worried because it is storming outside, show them how you are being cool and reassure them that everything will be fine.</li>
	<li>Take Naps: Some kids get irritated because they are exhausted and lack the stamina to function during the day. Consider introducing brief naps into your child&#39;s daily schedule.</li>
	<li>Adopt A Routine: Routines might aid in easing tension or anxiety. To assist kids, create a schedule with your family and stick to it so the kid knows what to expect each day. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Researchers have discovered that crying improves health and intellect and that these benefits begin with a baby&#39;s first cry at birth. Continue reading to find out more about the health advantages of crying<a href="#accordion">[5]</a>.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<h5>1. Detoxifies The Body</h5>

There are three types of tears:

<ul>
	<li>Reflex tears</li>
	<li>Continuous tears</li>
	<li>Emotional tears 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Reflex tears remove contaminants from the eyes, such as smoke and dust. Continuous tears keep the eyes moist and protect them from infection. Emotional tears may provide numerous other health advantages. Continuous tears are 98% water compared to emotional tears, which carry stress hormones and other toxins. Researchers claim that crying helps get rid of these substances, though more study is needed in this area. 
&nbsp;

<h5>2. Aids In Self-Soothing</h5>

Crying could be one of your baby&rsquo;s most efficient self-soothing techniques. Crying, according to researchers, activates the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS)<a href="#accordion">[6]</a>. The PNS would assist their body in resting and digesting. However, the benefits are not rapid. It may take many minutes of crying to feel the soothing benefits of tears. 
&nbsp;

<h5>3. Dulls Pain</h5>

Crying for extended periods of time produces oxytocin and endogenous opioids, often known as endorphins. These feel-good chemicals can help your baby with both physical and emotional pain reduction. When endorphins are released, their body may go into a numb state. Oxytocin then might make them feel calm or joyful. It&#39;s another example of how sobbing relieves stress. 
&nbsp;

<h5>4. Improves Mood</h5>

Crying, specifically sobbing, can help relieve discomfort while lifting the infant&rsquo;s mood. While weeping, they would take several deep breaths of chilly air. Breathing in cooler air can regulate and even lower the brain&#39;s temperature. A calm brain is more relaxing to the body and mind than a warm brain. As a result, you would notice their mood improves following a round of sobbing. 
&nbsp;

<h5>5. Rallies Support</h5>

If your baby is feeling down, sobbing is an excellent method to let someone around them know they need help. This is known as an interpersonal benefit. Crying is considered an attachment behavior since birth, with the purpose of seeking comfort and care from others in a variety of ways. In other words, crying strengthens social support networks for tough times. 
&nbsp;

<h5>6. Helps Recover From Sadness</h5>

Grieving is an ongoing process. It includes periods of grief, numbness, regret, and rage. Crying is very crucial during times of sadness.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Note: Everyone goes through the grief process in their own unique way. If you notice that your kid&rsquo;s crying excessively, you should consult your doctor. 
&nbsp;

<h5>7. Restores Emotional Stability</h5>

Crying does not necessarily occur in response to a sad event. Your baby may cry when they are happy, afraid, or stressed. Yale University researchers believe that sobbing in this manner can help to restore emotional balance. When the baby cries because they are delighted or concerned about something, it could be their body&#39;s way of recovering from such a strong emotion<a href="#accordion">[7]</a>. 
&nbsp;

<h5>8. Assists The Baby in Breathing</h5>

The first cry a baby makes outside of the womb is crucial. The umbilical cord oxygenates newborns in the womb. When a baby is born, he or she must learn to breathe independently. The first cry assists a baby&#39;s lungs to adjust to life outside the womb. Furthermore, crying removes excess fluid from the lungs, nose, and mouth. 
&nbsp;

<h5>9. Assists The Baby in Sleeping</h5>

Crying may also assist newborns in sleeping better at night. In a brief study of newborn sleep, 43 participants employed graduated extinction, sometimes known as controlled crying, to put their kids to sleep. Babies were left to cry for a few minutes before their parents intervened. The weeping lengthened the infants&#39; sleep and reduced the number of times they awoke during the night. The weeping did not appear to increase stress in the newborns or harm the parent-child attachment a year later. 
&nbsp;

Conclusion

It is beneficial to hold your infant. Contrary to popular belief, you cannot spoil a child by snuggling or holding them. Frequently, babies with their needs addressed are more likely to develop positive self-images and learn that they are appreciated and worthwhile. Cuddling and physical contact would help your child build self-esteem and social skills. Giving your child a big hug can also be an excellent way to convey love, pride, understanding, and support. Go ahead and hug your baby; It&#39;s good for you and good for them! 
&nbsp;

Key Points

<ul><li>Cuddling is a natural reaction to a tiny baby's crying.</li><li>According to studies, cuddling and skin-to-skin contact have numerous benefits for both parents and babies.</li><li>Self-soothing is a social-emotional tool that newborns and children learn early in life and use throughout their lifetime.&nbsp;</li><li>Responding to newborns' cries makes them feel comfortable and promotes their development.</li></ul>

[1] Winston R, Chicot R. The importance of early bonding on the long-term mental health and resilience of children. London J Prim Care (Abingdon). 2016;8(1):12–4.

[2] Magon N, Kalra S. The orgasmic history of oxytocin: Love, lust, and labor. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2011 Sep;15 Suppl 3(Suppl3):S156-61.

[3] Ludington-Hoe SM, Hosseini R, Torowicz DL. Skin-to-skin contact (Kangaroo Care) analgesia for preterm infant heel stick. AACN Clin Issues. 2005;16(3):373–87.

[4] Conde-Agudelo A, Belizán JM, Diaz-Rossello J. Cochrane Review: Kangaroo mother care to reduce morbidity and mortality in low birthweight infants. Evidence-Based Child Heal A Cochrane Rev J. 2012;7(2):760–876.

[5] Bowlby J. Can I leave my baby? National Association for Mental Health London; 1958.

[6] Gračanin A, Bylsma LM, Vingerhoets AJJM. Is crying a self-soothing behavior? Front Psychol. 2014;5:502.

[7] Aragón OR, Clark MS, Dyer RL, Bargh JA. Dimorphous expressions of positive emotion: displays of both care and aggression in response to cute stimuli. Psychol Sci. 2015 Mar;26(3):259–73.