Why Are Babies So Cute?

Have you ever wondered why babies are so cute? Believe it or not, there’s actually a science behind it all. So, is it the chubby cheeks, that baby smell, or those big eyes? Actually, it’s all of those adorable features combined!

These adorable baby features are called Baby Schema. Scientifically named, Kindchenschema. Proposed by Konrad Lorenz, a German Ethologist, suggests that a baby’s oversized head, large eyes, and a soft rounded shape promote mothering and caretaking in other humans. The cuteness actually triggers the Mesocorticolimbic system in our brain, which identifies a rewarding stimulus (aka the baby). This system in our brains creates the sense of enjoyment, and even the urge to cuddle something. (Aww!)

These evolutionary- rooted responses all work in favor of the baby. Since human babies are incapable of taking care of themselves, they rely on adults or other humans to provide care. So, the more Baby Schema traits the baby has, the more attention and care it is likely to receive. Hook, line, and sinker! Their irresistible cuteness gets us every time!

Sources:

Glocker, Melanie L., et al. "Baby Schema In Infant Faces Induces Cuteness Perception And Motivation For Caretaking In Adults." Ethology 115.3 (2009): 257-263. Academic Search Premier. Web. 6 Oct. 2015.

Why Are Babies So Cute? By Mitchell Mitchell Moffit and Gregory Brown. Youtube. AsapSCIENCE, 16 Apr. 2014. Web. 6 Oct. 2015.

~Sara Luckham, Social Media Specialist, Seaside Staffing Company

What is a DOULA??

A baby nurse? An infant specialist? A Doctor? What is a Doula??

The title Doula derives from the Greek meaning "a woman who serves". The term is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.

There are a few different types of Doula's for different stages of pregnancy and childbirth as well as emotional needs. 

BIRTH DOULA

A Birth Doula understands the process of childbirth as well as the emotional needs of a mother during labor. They stay with the mother throughout her birthing experience as well as help come up with a birth plan if necessary. Another huge role of the Birth Doula is protecting the mother's memory of her labor and birth experience. According to DONA International, "research evidence shows that the quality services of a postpartum doula can ease the transition that comes with the addition of a baby to a family, improve parental satisfaction and reduce the risk of mood disorders".

POSTPARTUM DOULA 

A Postpartum Doula is a trained Doula that provides education, support and companionship during the fourth trimester (after the baby has been born). They assist with newborn care, adjustment of the family dynamic, meal preparation and household help. A Postpartum Doula plays a major role in providing a nonjudgemental environment for a mother and can aid in advice and support. They can offer referrals when necessary as well as evidence-based information on feeding, soothing, recovery and coping. 

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*Doulas do not replace a nursing staff and cannot perform medical tasks such as taking blood or performing medical exams. 

In order to become a Doula, one must be certified by taking proper courses and working a specific number of hours. There are many different facilities that provide this certification. 

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DOULA vs. MIDWIFE

A Doula is NOT a Midwife. A Midwife has to go through a different course of training and is trained medical professional. They can administer some medications as well as perform various types of exams. A Doula's main purpose is to simply be there for you and your partner before, during and after the birth of your baby. 

We hope you have found this information helpful! Below are some links to informative websites as well as sites where you can learn how to obtain your Doula certifications :) 

DONA International

Doula Workshops In San Diego

CAPPA Labor Doula 

Midwife vs. Doula

Beautiful Letter One Mom Wrote To Her Little Boy...

We found this lovely post on Huffington Post from a mother to her little boy. This message can be applied to so many different families, situations and environments. Let kids be kids! Some say that children are conditioned to gravitate toward certain gender cues and association, while this may be true, this mother will not stand for it. She wants her little boy to explore, experiment and do whatever it is that brings him joy! We love this message and what it supports.

See the full post HERE 

I have a little boy... 

A little boy who likes to wear tutus. A little boy who likes to dance. A little boy who loves to paint and a little boy who hums happy tunes all day long.

A comment came. 

A comment too riddled with prejudice for me to repeat. A warning to me to be careful. A warning to not encourage such things or I'll regret it later.

And so to this person I say nothing. For my words to her will change nothing. But to my little boy I say this, for my words can change everything.

I say dance. And not just hip-hop dancing -- wear that blue tutu that you love and twirl and twirl.

I say wear whatever clothes you want. Wear blue because you like blue, not because it's a boys' color. And if you like pink, well, wear pink. And if you want to wear your sister's dress, then heck, go ahead and do that too.

What's that? Well of course you can wear fairy wings. Oh, and a firefighter's hat too? Sure. And you know what? I'll wear one too. And we'll all head out for a walk, dressed in our glad rags, laughing and giggling.

Shall we play with clay today, Mommy? Sure. Shall we add some sparkly beads? Sure. And why not? Are pretty things that sparkle only to be enjoyed by girls?

Do you want to play soccer, Mommy? Sure do, buddy. But let's play it because it brings you joy, not because it's a boys' sport. And maybe after we finish we can go inside and finish that tea party we were playing this morning?

I have a little boy. 

He is a boy. He is a child. He likes to play. He builds blocks and plays house. He plays soccer and dances on tippy-toes. 

He really couldn't care less if he uses a pink toothbrush or a blue one. And neither could I.

And neither should you.

I have a little boy.