Do babies feel pain?

Not so long ago, new born babies were operated on without anaesthetic, because it was believed that their brains were too immature to register pain. They were slapped, hung upside down, rubbed vigorously with rough towels, and more. Nowadays, we know that babies feel pain, and that they remember birth. They are beings right from the start. Science is now beginning to explore this rich arena. It seems that babies are communicating as soon as they enter our world of light, air and gravity. Our sociability is with us from the beginning. When watching the birth videos in class (and of course, I have watched them quite a lot!) I notice more and more that the babies’ cries are communicating. How do I know? Because their cries change. I can hear the increase in crying when a voice in the room becomes raised. I can hear the “sniffling” of a baby beginning to feel soothed when in mum’s arms. Knowing you can soothe your baby is a wonderful feeling for a mum and dad. Seeing your baby suffer is a horrible feeling for a mum and dad. As HypnoBirthing has always said, nature guides us. She ensures that what feels right, is indeed right. So, as a new mum and dad, you have authority and permission to ensure that your baby’s cry is heard, and that you can begin to listen and soothe your baby as soon as he enters your world.