“They Don’t Know They’re Separate From Mom” #how

Newborns may not yet understand that they are separate from their mother because their world is entirely shaped by dependency and immediate needs. At birth, a baby’s brain is still developing, and the concept of being an individual is far too complex for them to grasp.

Why Newborns Feel Connected to Mom
Total Dependence – A newborn relies on their mother (or primary caregiver) for food, warmth, comfort, and survival, making them feel as though they are still part of her.
Lack of Self-Identity – In the early weeks, babies don’t have a sense of "me" vs. "not me". Their experiences are purely based on sensations and reflexes, not self-awareness.
The Fourth Trimester Concept – Many experts refer to the first three months of life as the "fourth trimester", where babies still expect constant closeness as they transition from the womb to the outside world.
When Do Babies Recognize Themselves as Separate?
Around 2–3 months, they start noticing patterns, including the difference between their caregiver’s face and their own hands and feet.
By 5–6 months, they begin developing a sense of object permanence, realizing things (including people) exist even when not seen.

#babies #mother #parenting

[DrSermedMezher]

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[homemanager]

This is why we must support maternity leave in the USA.

[umedjoy]

I told my husband, yeah she's gonna cry, imagine being hungry for the first time, absolutely terrifying, throwing up, pooping, everything is new and scary.

[katmustea]

And when they do figure out they’re a separate person, the rebellion begins.

[melissasowell]

This is why it breaks my heart hearing babies as young as 6 weeks being put in daycare because of society.

[ehjkmfs]

A more interesting and correct fact is that it takes babies a while to comprehend that their bodies influence their surroundings.
There was a research of children ranging from 1 year to 1.5 years and they had to push a stroller but on the back of the stroller was tied a towel. Most of the young children did not understand that them standing on the towel was what stopped them from pushing the stroller. But the older they were, the faster they realized to lift the towel up before pushing the stroller

[mitchells]

"All they know how to do is suck and cry"

Sounds like me in PvP games.

[FrisbeeGorbeh]

Paid maternity leave is so so so important. Even the science backs it. They don't know anything outside of mom for those first months

[haileybrar]

After carrying my baby for nine months, I still felt like my baby was a part of my body even after she was born.

[llamalinguist]

Being a mother and having a newborn are some of the most beautiful experiences you can ever have. 🥰

[carolineguin]

And when they realise that concept they freak out big time when mom goes away, they have to learn a new concept : mom will always come back.

[hilaryb]

A baby is 100% reliant on its mother for survival, meaning that whatever is a threat to mom is also a direct threat to the baby. When a mother is stressed or facing an abusive situation, the baby is going through it as well.

[taidilla]

When I had my children I didn’t work until they were able to go to school. Mothering is a full time job.

[janebaker]

My boy was in the NICU. I hope our separation didnt hurt him too much 😢
Edit. After I was hospitalised with post natal depression. I only fell in love at one month old. His first month without mum's love breaks my heart. He's a big happy boy now, but I have regrets.

[aimeezoewalst]

Make sense because as a mother I saw my baby as part of me. He was like a piece of my soul fluttering around me that I had to keep close to me. I couldn't stant being away from him. He is now growing more independent and eats solids so it's easier to be away.

[Brianna-eonu]

I mean technically, babies were very much part of their mum for 9 months, eating the same foods and living in her body. I don’t blame them for the brief identity crisis post birth.

[Elynis]

My husband couldn’t understand at first that babies just want to be held sometimes. I needed a break one evening and he kept trying to put our son in his rocker when he finally settled and stopped fussing, but each time he went into his rocker he’d cry again. My husband got so frustrated until I explained that babies feel safe when they’re being held. It took him a little longer to get it, but once he did he cuddled as often as he could. My son will be six in June. We miss those days purely for the cuddle factor. 😊

Edit: Damn you guys need to relax. He was a new Dad at the time and was learning. It’s okay. He’s a great dad and always has been, he just needed a little extra guidance in some spots. Our son loves his daddy and is always looking for an excuse to go wrestle and play with him.

[clairebear-]

Yes I learned this in ECE classes in college! And I work with babies (infant/toddler teacher), and I feel so bad for the teeny babies who start at daycare and cry all the time - they’ve never been away from mum before, it’s like a part of them is missing and they don’t understand!

[faebalina]

They really know and need their mothers in this early weeks and months.I was shocked to learn some daycares take babies at 6 WEEKS!

[naturalfarmerguineith]

My son spent the first two weeks of his life in NICU. When I wasn't there, he cried every waking moment, but when he heard my voice, he immediately calmed down! He's 24 years old now, rents his own house, has a job etc, but he still loves his Mum!