Here’s a bit of a baby based explanation as to why the initial days and weeks of parenthood are so difficult and I’m aiming this at those who don’t know babies.
In the womb, assuming everything is going normally, baby only has to grow cells and systems, exercise and prepare for life.
They don’t breathe so the lungs and part of the heart aren’t really used. They don’t have to worry about temperature control, light or sound. Their nutrition is provided from the placenta through the umbilical cord at a pretty steady pace.
Birth arrives and holy shit, they are being squeezed through a very tight, uncomfortable spot. Helps to push the amniotic fluid out of the lungs though.
The sudden influx of bright light and sound is jarring as is the cold temperature compared to the womb. Explains why some come out crying… all of this is quite a shock.
At birth, a hole between chambers of the heart automatically closes, allowing the heart to process oxygenated blood properly. The lungs start working right about then too.
That’s already a lot for a little muffin to deal with but on top of that, they have to figure out how to latch on to a nipple, suck and swallow. It’s all pretty instinctive but still unpracticed skills.
Next, the little toads’ digestive system has to start working… from moving breast milk through the intestines and out and properly extracting nutrients.
All the sensations involved in breathing, eating, eliminating are brand new and babies may not appreciate them. Hence, a source of crying,
Sleep patterns have to be established and if a new parent is really lucky, that only takes a month or two. Most parents aren’t that lucky.
The feeling of fabric on skin, diapers, itchiness,(?), cold, heat… all can lead to discomfort new to babies and they don’t understand nor can they communicate these things to parents.
And parents don’t know cues the baby may not be communicating.
TL/DR: Lots of big adjustments for baby and parents resulting in anxiety, tears and exhaustion.
